2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Champaign, IL vs Ely, MN

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Highlights
Are people in Ely older or younger than people in Champaign?
- The Median Age in Ely is 25.3 years older than in Champaign.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ely or Champaign?
- Ely housing costs are 5.8% more expensive than Champaign housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ely or Champaign?
- The average commute for residents of Ely is 4.2 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 Ely?
Ely, Minnesota is a small town located along the scenic edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It has a population of just over 3,000 people and is known for its quaint downtown area and close-knit community atmosphere. Residents here enjoy a slower pace of life surrounded by vast natural beauty. Summertime activities include camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing, and more in the nearby parks and forests, while winter brings snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing opportunities nearby. Whether you’re looking for an active outdoor lifestyle or simply an escape from big city bustle and noise, Ely offers a unique experience that makes it feel like home to its residents.

 Champaign, ILEly, MNUnited States
 Population  Unlock3,280329,725,481
 Median Income$52,687  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock52.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$190,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.8%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 Ely    1 Reviews

Over 19 years ago

Lots of local talent. For a small city, Ely has a very educated population that brings a variety of talents to local arts and  More

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