Ames, IA vs Charleston, SC
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Ames
76.2
#367 nationally
Charleston
66
#1592 nationally
Ames leads in average commute (15.8 min vs 24.6 min). Charleston leads in median household income ($76,819 vs $57,428). Ames leads in cost of living index (100 vs 115).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ames, IA | Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.2 (#367) | 66 (#1592) |
| Population | 65,686 | 156,042 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $306,337 | $596,437 |
| Median Household Income | $57,428 | $76,819 |
| Average Commute | 15.8 min | 24.6 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 39 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 6.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.4 | D+5.7 |
C
76.2 Score
Ames, IA
Iowa community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$306,337
Population
65,686
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
42
Midwest
View Ames, IA →
D
66 Score
Charleston, SC
Southern charm meets coastal living
Median Home
$596,437
Population
156,042
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Southeast
View Charleston, SC →