2025 Compare Cities Overview:
DeKalb, IL vs Normal, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Normal older or younger than people in DeKalb?
- The Median Age in Normal is 0.0 years older than in DeKalb.

Are housing costs cheaper in Normal or DeKalb?
- Normal housing costs are 1.8% more expensive than DeKalb housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Normal or DeKalb?
- The average commute for residents of Normal is 3.3 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 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!

 DeKalb, ILNormal, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock53,446329,725,481
 Median Income$45,591  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock25.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$206,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.4%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 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

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Over 16 years ago

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

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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

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