2025 Compare Cities Overview:
DeKalb, IL vs Madison, WI

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Highlights
Are people in Madison older or younger than people in DeKalb?
- The Median Age in Madison is 6.4 years older than in DeKalb.

Are housing costs cheaper in Madison or DeKalb?
- Madison housing costs are 63.8% more expensive than DeKalb housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Madison or DeKalb?
- The average commute for residents of Madison is 1.6 minutes shorter than it is for residents of DeKalb.

Things to do in DeKalb?
DeKalb, Illinois sits within DeKalb County providing visitors great culture attractions from Egyptian Theater to Northern Illinois University Convocation Center as well as plenty of restaurants like Kishwaukee Tap.

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!

 DeKalb, ILMadison, WIUnited States
 Population  Unlock265,447329,725,481
 Median Income$45,591  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock31.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$206,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.06  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Dekalb    2 Reviews

Over 17 years ago

While I love the cheaper rents then in the closer suburbs (to Chicago), the lack of high paying jobs for anyone without high degrees (Masters or higher) is  More

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As a 37 year resident of DeKalb - an escapee of the Chicago suburbs, I am pleased to write a bit about my hometown. Originally a college town in a farming community,  More

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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

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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

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Lacks balance and zero accountability.   More

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