2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Council Bluffs, IA vs Normal, IL

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Normal older or younger than people in Council Bluffs?
- The Median Age in Normal is 13.5 years younger than in Council Bluffs.

Are housing costs cheaper in Normal or Council Bluffs?
- Normal housing costs are 10.2% more expensive than Council Bluffs housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Normal or Council Bluffs?
- The average commute for residents of Normal is 0.8 minutes shorter 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 Normal?
Normal, Illinois is a vibrant city located in McLean County, just north of Bloomington-Normal. It is home to Illinois State University and has a bustling downtown area with numerous shops, restaurants, and businesses. Normal is a major hub in the region for healthcare, finance and education opportunities. There are abundant recreational options including natural areas, parks and trails that offer plenty of outdoor activities. A variety of cultural amenities are also available such as theater performances, festivals, art galleries and other entertainment venues that give residents something to do in their spare time. Normal is truly a wonderful place where people can come together to work, play, learn and live!

 Council Bluffs, IANormal, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock53,446329,725,481
 Median Income$57,683  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock25.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$190,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.4%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 Normal    5 Reviews

While not a perfect town by any stretch of the imagination, I have lived in Normal my entire life and I have to say that there are FAR worse places one could live. The  More

   |    Reply

Over 16 years ago

I would like to know more about the quality of education at Illinois State  More

   |    Reply

With relatively low crime, good schools and excellent access to higher education, Normal is a great place to raise a family. The city is trying to update its city center  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Normal


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.