2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Charles City, IA vs Madison, WI

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Madison older or younger than people in Charles City?
- The Median Age in Madison is 10.0 years younger than in Charles City.

Are housing costs cheaper in Madison or Charles City?
- Madison housing costs are 174.8% more expensive than Charles City housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Madison or Charles City?
- The average commute for residents of Madison is 3.0 minutes longer than it is for residents of Charles City.

Things to do in Charles City?
Living in Charles City, IA is an enjoyable experience. The town has a small-town charm with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The city is a great place to raise a family and experience the outdoors. There are plenty of parks, trails, and lakes to explore. Downtown Charles City offers a variety of local restaurants and shops, giving visitors plenty of opportunity to explore the area. Residents here enjoy four distinct seasons with each offering something unique for locals and visitors alike. In the summer, there are outdoor festivals on the weekends such as the annual 4th of July celebration or the Hot Air Balloon Festival. In the winter months there are skiing trips at nearby ski resorts or even indoor activities like laser tag or bowling. No matter what season it is, Charles City offers something for everyone to enjoy!

Things to do in Madison?
Madison, Wisconsin is a vibrant city with a unique mix of culture and history. Take a stroll through State Street and explore the city's many art galleries, bookstores and some of the best restaurants in the Midwest. Visit University of Wisconsin-Madison for some stunning architecture and inspiring scientific research, or take in an outdoor concert at Breese Stevens Field. With its beautiful lakeshore backdrop, lively farmers markets, and incredible cultural events,Madison is an ideal place to live and visit!

 Charles City, IAMadison, WIUnited States
 Population  Unlock265,447329,725,481
 Median Income$44,775  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock31.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$122,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.44  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Charles City    0 Reviews

Start Your Review of Charles City

Reviews for Madison    78 Reviews

Unfortunately, a number of these reviews are politically based. Madison remains the only shining star in Wisconsin’s economy. The economy is broadly based, with  More

   |    Reply

Have been living in Madison for almost 3 years. It’s very safe, ppl generally friendly and for a town of its size it has fair number of good restaurants and interesting  More

   |    Reply

Lacks balance and zero accountability.   More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Madison


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.