2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Des Plaines, IL vs Decatur, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Decatur older or younger than people in Des Plaines?
- The Median Age in Decatur is 2.4 years younger than in Des Plaines.

Are housing costs cheaper in Decatur or Des Plaines?
- Decatur housing costs are 68.8% less expensive than Des Plaines housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Decatur or Des Plaines?
- The average commute for residents of Decatur is 11.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Des Plaines.

Things to do in Des Plaines?
Des Plaines, Illinois is a vibrant and thriving city located just outside of Chicago. This bustling town offers a unique mix of small town charm and big city energy with plenty of shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions. There are also several concert venues, theatres, and museums to explore while in Des Plaines. Visitors can also enjoy a wide array of activities from antiquing to golfing if they're looking for something more active. Whatever you choose to do there's no doubt that Des Plaines will make your stay enjoyable!

Things to do in Decatur?
Decatur, Illinois is a vibrant city located in the Midwestern United States. Home to attractions such as Scovill Zoo and Nelson Park, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and nature when visiting Decatur. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as Macon County History Museum and Richland Community College Performance Center. For entertainment, visitors can explore downtown shopping districts and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Decatur has something for everyone!

 Des Plaines, ILDecatur, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock71,309329,725,481
 Median Income$79,453  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$267,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock10.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time28.35  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Des Plaines    4 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

low  More

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Over 17 years ago

The historic center of des plaines is also downtown. Fairly easy commute to Chicago. The metra is right there. Also there is the Des Plaines public library with a great  More

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Over 19 years ago

Changing of the seasons is good. But it's too cold for too  More

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Reviews for Decatur    14 Reviews

I was sent here by the company I worked for in the '90's and was not initially impressed with midwest living. However, over the years I got used to living in the "Pride  More

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I grew up in Decatur and I still have family there, but it depresses me to see what it has become. It has a high unemployment rate, many business have closed or are run  More

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Over 15 years ago

If you enjoy drinking & driving, Decatur's fifteen drive-thru liquor windows, three times the # of drive-thru's than the ten largest cities in Illinois, COMBINED, will  More

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