A quick read on this comparison

Deterministic summaries based on the data in view.

Best for affordability: Ames, Iowa

Ames, Iowa looks like the easiest place here to live with less financial drag. It comes out ahead on rent burden and rent.

Biggest tradeoff: Ames, Iowa

Ames, Iowa is the sharpest split in this comparison: strong on affordability, weaker on climate comfort.

Potential dealbreaker: Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois needs a closer look before you get too attached, especially on rent burden.

Comparison Matrix

City	Ames View Map	Chicago View Map
Route	Get Directions
General Info
Population	65,060	2,664,452
Population Density	N/A	12.0k /sq mi
Elevation	942 ft(287 m)	587 ft(179 m)
Housing & Wealth
Median Home	$266,556	$304,487
Median Rent	$1,194	$2,191
Median Income	$57,428	$71,673
Rent Burden	25%	37%
Climate & Risks
Sunny Days	301 days/yr	212 days/yr
Avg. High	60°F	59°F
Comfort Score	46/100Mixed	47/100Mixed
Temp Swing	55°F	48°F
Annual Rainfall	34"(86 cm)	44"(112 cm)
Annual Snowfall	10"(25 cm)	11"(28 cm)
Air Quality	AQI 39 (Avg)1 days > 100	AQI 50 (Avg)19 days > 100
Infrastructure & Lifestyle
Walk Score	N/A	72
Transit Score	N/A	100
Safety Score	77 / 100	30 / 100
School Rating	6.8/10	7.3/10
Flood Risk (FEMA)	N/A	minimalMinimal Risk
Fire Risk (FEMA)	N/A	minimalMinimal
Internet Access	Fiber: 80%Cable: 92%	Fiber: 33%Cable: 99%
Demographics
Median Age	23 years	35.3 years
College Educated	63%	42%
Remote Workers	10%	16%
Nature Access
Local Nature & Reserves	Finding...	Finding...
Scouting & Local Help
Plan a first lookWays to plan a first visit or connect with a relevant local partner.	Featured Local Partner AD Your logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in Ames Book a scouting trip	Featured Local Partner AD Your logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in Chicago Book a scouting trip

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