2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Bloomington, IL vs Iowa City, IA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Iowa City older or younger than people in Bloomington?
- The Median Age in Iowa City is 9.3 years younger than in Bloomington.

Are housing costs cheaper in Iowa City or Bloomington?
- Iowa City housing costs are 27.4% more expensive than Bloomington housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Iowa City or Bloomington?
- The average commute for residents of Iowa City is 1.2 minutes longer than it is for residents of Bloomington.

Things to do in Bloomington?
Bloomington Illinois provides an array of options for any kind of traveler including Miller Park Zoo or entertainment at Bloomington Center for Performing Arts .

Things to do in Iowa City?
Iowa City, Iowa is a vibrant city located in the Midwestern United States. Home to attractions such as The University of Iowa and The Old Capitol Museum, visitors can explore outdoor activities and historical sites when visiting Iowa City. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as The Kalona Historical Village and Studio Arts. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Iowa City has something for everyone!

 Bloomington, ILIowa City, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock74,240329,725,481
 Median Income$69,003  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock26.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$208,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.87  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Bloomington    18 Reviews

If you're not from here it might be hard to figure out that Bloomington and Normal are actually one city mushed together, so make sure you look up info on Normal, IL  More

   |    Reply

Over 11 years ago

Bloomington-Normal as a city is full of resturants and movie theaters. The downtown bar scene is dominated by ISU, IWU, and HCC students. The colleges can have some fun  More

   |    Reply

Bloomington-Normal as a city is full of resturants and movie theaters. The downtown bar scene is dominated by ISU, IWU, and HCC students. The colleges can have some fun  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Bloomington

Reviews for Iowa City    24 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

I was there 5 years. Nothing to do but we’ll go shopping... at Walmart. It lacks so many things. There is no experience here, it jumps on any political band wagon and  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

Entertainment lacks greatly - especially the Hancher shows. I was hoping after they rebuilt they would be getting better shows there, that didn't happen. One has to  More

   |    Reply

Over 7 years ago

Iowa City is great. It's diverse and never boring. There always a variety of new shops and restaurants to explore and try out. Also watching college kids do stupid  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Iowa City


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.