2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Des Moines, IA vs Galena, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Galena older or younger than people in Des Moines?
- The Median Age in Galena is 22.6 years older than in Des Moines.

Are housing costs cheaper in Galena or Des Moines?
- Galena housing costs are 41.3% more expensive than Des Moines housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Galena or Des Moines?
- The average commute for residents of Galena is 2.7 minutes longer than it is for residents of Des Moines.

Things to do in Des Moines?
Des Moines, Iowa is an exciting city full of possibilities for those who want to experience something new. Nature lovers can explore the trails at Water Works Park and admire the views of downtown from the Des Moines Riverwalk. History buffs can visit the State Capitol Building or learn more about local culture at the African American Museum of Iowa and Salisbury House & Garden. Arts enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the many galleries in town while foodies can find delicious eats at a variety of restaurants in the area. Shopping fans will love browsing through Jordan Creek Town Center or Valley West Mall. With its wide selection of attractions, Des Moines is an absolute must-visit destination!

Things to do in Galena?
Living in Galena, IL is a unique experience. This small town of around 3,000 people offers a quiet, laid-back atmosphere surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills. The downtown area is full of antiques shops, quaint restaurants, and historic buildings, giving it a truly old-world charm that’s hard to find anywhere else. Residents enjoy outdoor recreation like kayaking on the Galena River or fishing at the nearby Lake Galena. There’s also opportunities for hiking and biking on trails that wind throughout the region. If you're looking for a peaceful place to call home, look no further than Galena, IL.

 Des Moines, IAGalena, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock3,212329,725,481
 Median Income$58,444  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock56.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$175,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time18.83  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Des Moines    53 Reviews

Des Moines is a ok and pretty quiet place but as a teen it could be dramatic because Des Moines do have is fair or violents places to avoid in Des Moines would be the  More

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Dude · 
Over 5 years ago

This city is violent, there are too many gangs especially on the north  More

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Over 6 years ago

Good for the old that like slow pace and cheap buffets. Also good for non-descript mid-westerners that don't like a lot of action. No nightlife or mountains to hike  More

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Reviews for Galena    3 Reviews

We've lived in Galena for about ten years now; previously lived in Elgin, then Cary. Moving here was like heaven (with some trade offs) especially after living in  More

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Over 13 years ago

My city of Galena, IL has festivals, parades, and parties almost every weekend of the year. Our Halloween parade usually lasts around 2 hours and draws in over 10,000  More

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Galena offers art shows, antique shops, arts/crafts fairs, Civil War re-enactments, theater, concerts, and more. Every weekend, there's something cultural going on, much  More

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