2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Des Moines, IA vs Valparaiso, IN

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Highlights
Are people in Valparaiso older or younger than people in Des Moines?
- The Median Age in Valparaiso is 2.3 years older than in Des Moines.

Are housing costs cheaper in Valparaiso or Des Moines?
- Valparaiso housing costs are 71.4% more expensive than Des Moines housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Valparaiso or Des Moines?
- The average commute for residents of Valparaiso is 3.1 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 Valparaiso?
Valparaiso IN is situated in Porter County right along Lake Michigan and offers plenty of outdoor fun from beach-combing to sailing while still having convenient access to Purdue University’s campus nearby.

 Des Moines, IAValparaiso, INUnited States
 Population  Unlock33,820329,725,481
 Median Income$58,444  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$175,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.2%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 Valparaiso    11 Reviews

Over 10 years ago

I moved to Valparaiso, IN about 1 year ago. I moved here because I was attending the law school located here. At a glance, it appears to be a small town, with many new  More

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Over 11 years ago

My favorite restaurants in Valparaiso are: Panera Bread--The lines sometimes get long, but, the service is decent and the food is great. Red Robin--Bottomless fries  More

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I loved driving anywhere, down any road because of the trees, fields and green, green grass that is all over. Cost of living is outrageous! But lil towns close by make  More

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