2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Council Bluffs, IA vs Des Plaines, IL

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Des Plaines older or younger than people in Council Bluffs?
- The Median Age in Des Plaines is 3.7 years older than in Council Bluffs.

Are housing costs cheaper in Des Plaines or Council Bluffs?
- Des Plaines housing costs are 40.6% more expensive than Council Bluffs housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Des Plaines or Council Bluffs?
- The average commute for residents of Des Plaines is 9.8 minutes longer than it is for residents of Council Bluffs.

Things to do in Council Bluffs?
Council Bluffs, Iowa is a vibrant city located in Pottawattamie County. This bustling community offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the Union Pacific Railroad Museum or one of many popular restaurants. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available in Hitchcock Nature Center, Lake Manawa State Park and Bayliss Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Council Bluffs their home.

Things to do in Des Plaines?
Des Plaines, Illinois is a vibrant and thriving city located just outside of Chicago. This bustling town offers a unique mix of small town charm and big city energy with plenty of shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions. There are also several concert venues, theatres, and museums to explore while in Des Plaines. Visitors can also enjoy a wide array of activities from antiquing to golfing if they're looking for something more active. Whatever you choose to do there's no doubt that Des Plaines will make your stay enjoyable!

 Council Bluffs, IADes Plaines, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock60,413329,725,481
 Median Income$57,683  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$190,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time18.6  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Council Bluffs    4 Reviews

It's an okay city. Nothing special really. All the fun things to do and good restaurants are across the river in Omaha. I will say CB has some pretty good recreational  More

   |    Reply

Over 9 years ago

Quietly over the years this community has taken untold amounts of riverfront casino tax dollars and converted them into hundreds and hundreds of community improvement  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

here in council bluffs iowa, we have low crime rate. There have been an increase in shopping areas in the last 2 years and lots of new resturants and three casinos. It  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Council Bluffs

Reviews for Des Plaines    4 Reviews

Over 15 years ago

low  More

   |    Reply

Over 16 years ago

The historic center of des plaines is also downtown. Fairly easy commute to Chicago. The metra is right there. Also there is the Des Plaines public library with a great  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

Changing of the seasons is good. But it's too cold for too  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Des Plaines


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.