2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Champaign, IL vs Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Des Moines older or younger than people in Champaign?
- The Median Age in Des Moines is 7.3 years older than in Champaign.

Are housing costs cheaper in Des Moines or Champaign?
- Des Moines housing costs are 7.7% less expensive than Champaign housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Des Moines or Champaign?
- The average commute for residents of Des Moines is 3.2 minutes longer than it is for residents of Champaign.

Things to do in Champaign?
Champaign, Illinois is a thriving university town located approximately two hours south of Chicago. It has plenty of recreational facilities ranging from libraries to state parks offering access to Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve or Homer Lake.

Things to do in Des Moines?
Des Moines, Iowa is an exciting city full of possibilities for those who want to experience something new. Nature lovers can explore the trails at Water Works Park and admire the views of downtown from the Des Moines Riverwalk. History buffs can visit the State Capitol Building or learn more about local culture at the African American Museum of Iowa and Salisbury House & Garden. Arts enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the many galleries in town while foodies can find delicious eats at a variety of restaurants in the area. Shopping fans will love browsing through Jordan Creek Town Center or Valley West Mall. With its wide selection of attractions, Des Moines is an absolute must-visit destination!

 Champaign, ILDes Moines, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock213,545329,725,481
 Median Income$52,687  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$190,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.68  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Champaign    13 Reviews

Over 6 years ago

Pros - close to Chicago, has Parkland community college and lots of places to eat. There is a train station downtown that is really good. Beautiful deciduous trees and  More

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Over 8 years ago

I wonderful city with great  More

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Actually it's barely a nice place to live. The pros: Not terribly expensive - at one point the least expensive place to live in the country among modest sized  More

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Reviews for Des Moines    53 Reviews

Des Moines is a ok and pretty quiet place but as a teen it could be dramatic because Des Moines do have is fair or violents places to avoid in Des Moines would be the  More

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Dude · 
Over 5 years ago

This city is violent, there are too many gangs especially on the north  More

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Over 6 years ago

Good for the old that like slow pace and cheap buffets. Also good for non-descript mid-westerners that don't like a lot of action. No nightlife or mountains to hike  More

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