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

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Highlights
Are people in Lafayette older or younger than people in Carbondale?
- The Median Age in Lafayette is 11.5 years older than in Carbondale.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lafayette or Carbondale?
- Lafayette housing costs are 82.2% more expensive than Carbondale housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lafayette or Carbondale?
- The average commute for residents of Lafayette is 7.2 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, Louisiana is a vibrant city located in the heart of Cajun Country. With its rich culture, abundant outdoor recreation areas, and bustling entertainment scene, Lafayette has something for everyone. History buffs will be thrilled to discover the numerous sites around town that commemorate the area's past while foodies get to sample some of the amazing local cuisine. Education is also top-notch here with multiple schools and universities nearby making it an ideal place for students or professionals looking to expand their horizons. Whether you’re looking for a place to call home or simply want to experience all that Lafayette has to offer, this city won't disappoint!

 Carbondale, ILLafayette, LAUnited States
 Population  Unlock122,469329,725,481
 Median Income$24,452  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$116,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.8%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    37 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

I should add this to my previous review. Lafayette was ranked "Happiest City in the US" by USA Today magazine and "Tastiest Town" by Southern  More

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I’m from Florida but I’ve lived in the Lafayette area for thirty-five years. I’ve never known nicer people. It’s true that non-Cajuns can never integrate entirely with  More

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What are the hottest neighborhoods to buy/live in right now? I'm from out of  More

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