2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Cottage Grove, MN vs Iowa City, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Iowa City older or younger than people in Cottage Grove?
- The Median Age in Iowa City is 10.2 years younger than in Cottage Grove.

Are housing costs cheaper in Iowa City or Cottage Grove?
- Iowa City housing costs are 26.2% less expensive than Cottage Grove housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Iowa City or Cottage Grove?
- The average commute for residents of Iowa City is 8.1 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Cottage Grove.

Things to do in Cottage Grove?
Cottage Grove, Minnesota is found in Washington county offering its citizens access to parks including Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park while also having shopping options at Marketplace at Town Center plus multiple restaurants including Old Country Buffet

Things to do in Iowa City?
Iowa City, Iowa is a vibrant city located in the Midwestern United States. Home to attractions such as The University of Iowa and The Old Capitol Museum, visitors can explore outdoor activities and historical sites when visiting Iowa City. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as The Kalona Historical Village and Studio Arts. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Iowa City has something for everyone!

 Cottage Grove, MNIowa City, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock74,240329,725,481
 Median Income$108,887  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock26.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$360,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time25.1  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Cottage Grove    3 Reviews

After moving to Cottage Grove, MN (near the Twin Cities) nine years ago, I think the city has improved (its been an uphill battle), but the city is cheap on quality of  More

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If you're from the warmer climates, avoid MN in the winter, too cold for a southern boy. Summers are great, warm & not humid at all. Plenty of lakes, rivers, & trails  More

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Over 19 years ago

Minnesotans are friendly and take time to enjoy the outdoors during the summer months. The wonderful summers are greatly appreciated and many companies offer summer  More

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Reviews for Iowa City    24 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

I was there 5 years. Nothing to do but we’ll go shopping... at Walmart. It lacks so many things. There is no experience here, it jumps on any political band wagon and  More

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Over 5 years ago

Entertainment lacks greatly - especially the Hancher shows. I was hoping after they rebuilt they would be getting better shows there, that didn't happen. One has to  More

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Over 7 years ago

Iowa City is great. It's diverse and never boring. There always a variety of new shops and restaurants to explore and try out. Also watching college kids do stupid  More

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