2025 Compare Cities Overview:
DeKalb, IL vs West Lafayette, IN

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Highlights
Are people in West Lafayette older or younger than people in DeKalb?
- The Median Age in West Lafayette is 3.6 years younger than in DeKalb.

Are housing costs cheaper in West Lafayette or DeKalb?
- West Lafayette housing costs are 48.5% more expensive than DeKalb housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, West Lafayette or DeKalb?
- The average commute for residents of West Lafayette is 5.4 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 West Lafayette?
West Lafayette, IN is a vibrant city located in Tippecanoe County in north-central Indiana. Home to Purdue University, the community of West Lafayette offers its residents access to world-class education facilities and a thriving economy. The area features several parks and recreational areas perfect for outdoor activities such as biking along the Wabash River or playing baseball at Howard Park. Residents also appreciate being surrounded by a variety of restaurants, unique shops, art galleries and other amenities that make living here so enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to explore nature’s beauty or just want to experience a lively college town atmosphere, West Lafayette is sure to please!

 DeKalb, ILWest Lafayette, INUnited States
 Population  Unlock44,515329,725,481
 Median Income$45,591  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock21.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$206,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.9%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 West Lafayette    11 Reviews

I am originally from Greencastle, Indiana, a nice friendly rural town and home to DePauw University. Presently, I live in West Lafayette, Indiana, due to my having been  More

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Over 11 years ago

It's a nice small town. It's too bad it's not closer to Indy. I think I would like it here  More

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Over 14 years ago

They have good schools, parks and always have events to  More

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