2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Des Plaines, IL vs Normal, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Normal older or younger than people in Des Plaines?
- The Median Age in Normal is 17.2 years younger than in Des Plaines.

Are housing costs cheaper in Normal or Des Plaines?
- Normal housing costs are 21.6% less expensive than Des Plaines housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Normal or Des Plaines?
- The average commute for residents of Normal is 10.6 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 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!

 Des Plaines, ILNormal, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock53,446329,725,481
 Median Income$79,453  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock25.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$267,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.4%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time28.35  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Des Plaines    4 Reviews

Over 15 years ago

low  More

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Over 16 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 18 years ago

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