2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Benton, IL vs Carbondale, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Carbondale older or younger than people in Benton?
- The Median Age in Carbondale is 15.6 years younger than in Benton.

Are housing costs cheaper in Carbondale or Benton?
- Carbondale housing costs are 27.8% more expensive than Benton housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Carbondale or Benton?
- The average commute for residents of Carbondale is 6.4 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Benton.

Things to do in Benton?
Benton, IL is a great place to live. It's located in the middle of Southern Illinois, so there are plenty of outdoor activities nearby like hiking, fishing, and camping. The city itself is small but offers many amenities such as parks and a movie theater. The local economy is based primarily on agriculture and manufacturing, so there are plenty of job opportunities if you're looking to move here. The cost of living is also relatively low compared to other parts of the state. People here tend to be friendly and down-to-earth, making it easy to settle into the community. All in all, Benton is a great place to call home.

Things to do in Carbondale?
Carbondale, Illinois is a vibrant city located in the heart of Southern Illinois. Visitors will find plenty to do and explore, including popular attractions like the Giant City State Park and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. The town boasts a thriving cultural scene with festivals, events, and live music venues all year round. Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy browsing through the abundance of eclectic specialty stores and boutiques. Those looking for outdoor adventure can take part in activities like kayaking or mountain biking at nearby Shawnee National Forest. With its diverse culture and plenty of recreational opportunities, Carbondale is an ideal destination for visitors looking to experience the best that Southern Illinois has to offer.

 Benton, ILCarbondale, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock22,388329,725,481
 Median Income$46,530  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock24.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$90,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time20.26  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Benton    1 Reviews

Benton is a small rural town. for the most part it is friendly, morally sound and crime and housing cost are low. Alot of people who live here are retired. The  More

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Reviews for Carbondale    7 Reviews

I've lived in C'dale for over 30 years. I got an excellent education here - Giant City School was great, though fairly insular and not very diverse (among its drawbacks  More

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Over 17 years ago

I like Carbondale. It is relaxing and an easy way to go about getting a college degree. It has its ups and downs, mainly with the people in the town not recognizing the  More

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All of the comments are negative here and seem to me to be misleading. The idea that you have to have a lot of money in Carbondale is ridiculous. The price of cultural  More

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