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 and home price.

Biggest tradeoff: Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha, Nebraska is the sharpest split in this comparison: strong on climate comfort, weaker on safety.

Potential dealbreaker: Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha, Nebraska needs a closer look before you get too attached, especially on tax burden.

Comparison Matrix

City	Omaha View Map	Ames View Map
Route	Get Directions
General Info
Population	486,051	65,060
Population Density	3.4k /sq mi	N/A
Elevation	1,060 ft(323 m)	942 ft(287 m)
Housing & Wealth
Median Home	$284,563	$266,556
Median Rent	$1,385	$1,194
Median Income	$70,202	$57,428
Rent Burden	24%	25%
Climate & Risks
Sunny Days	315 days/yr	301 days/yr
Avg. High	63°F	60°F
Comfort Score	49/100Mixed	46/100Mixed
Temp Swing	54°F	55°F
Annual Rainfall	28"(71 cm)	34"(86 cm)
Annual Snowfall	8"(20 cm)	10"(25 cm)
Air Quality	AQI 40 (Avg)1 days > 100	AQI 39 (Avg)1 days > 100
Infrastructure & Lifestyle
Walk Score	45	N/A
Transit Score	51	N/A
Safety Score	62 / 100	77 / 100
School Rating	6.2/10	6.8/10
Flood Risk (FEMA)	minimalMinimal Risk	N/A
Fire Risk (FEMA)	minimalMinimal	N/A
Internet Access	Fiber: 57%Cable: 98%	Fiber: 80%Cable: 92%
Demographics
Median Age	35.1 years	23 years
College Educated	39%	63%
Remote Workers	12%	10%
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 Omaha Book a scouting trip	Featured Local Partner AD Your logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in Ames Book a scouting trip

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