2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Carbondale, IL vs Lafayette, IN

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Highlights
Are people in Lafayette older or younger than people in Carbondale?
- The Median Age in Lafayette is 7.7 years older than in Carbondale.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lafayette or Carbondale?
- Lafayette housing costs are 70.8% more expensive than Carbondale housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lafayette or Carbondale?
- The average commute for residents of Lafayette is 2.8 minutes longer than it is for residents of Carbondale.

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.

Things to do in Lafayette?
Lafayette, Indiana is a vibrant city located in the Midwest United States. Home to attractions such as Art Museum of Greater Lafayette and Columbian Park Zoo visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and nature when visiting Lafayette. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as Long Center for the Performing Arts and Purdue Convocations. For entertainment, visitors can explore downtown shopping districts and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Lafayette has something for everyone!

 Carbondale, ILLafayette, INUnited States
 Population  Unlock70,928329,725,481
 Median Income$24,452  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock32.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$116,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time13.91  Unlock26.38
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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Reviews for Lafayette    16 Reviews

Over 12 years ago

I have lived here for 12 years and in a smaller town 20 miles away for over 35 years and like the people. But crime is on the rise, more arrests lately related to people  More

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Over 13 years ago

Lafayette still has a small town atmosphere. It is a wonderful place to raise children. There is a strong sense of community. Unfotunately in recent years Lafayette has  More

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I can say I have lived in Lafayette Indiana for 25 years. I'll say that home is home...but I would honestly say in less your a college student at Purdue, I would never  More

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