2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Elgin, IL vs Ottawa, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Ottawa older or younger than people in Elgin?
- The Median Age in Ottawa is 4.7 years older than in Elgin.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ottawa or Elgin?
- Ottawa housing costs are 42.8% less expensive than Elgin housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ottawa or Elgin?
- The average commute for residents of Ottawa is 8.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Elgin.

Things to do in Elgin?
Elgin, Illinois is a delightful city located in the northwest suburbs of the Chicago metropolitan area. Its many attractions make it an ideal place to live or visit. Visitors can explore local history and culture at the Elgin History Museum, shop downtown boutiques and galleries, and enjoy delicious cuisine in its many restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of nearby parks and nature trails, while sports fans can cheer on their favorite teams at sporting events held Downtown Elgin. With its diverse offerings and friendly atmosphere, Elgin is a great destination for all ages – come see for yourself!

Things to do in Ottawa?
Ottawa, IL is an inviting town northwest of Chicago full of amazing places to explore like La Salle Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area displaying its distinctive landscape or Canal Corridor Association hosting outdoor activities; their annual event Ottawa Two Rivers Wine Festival brings people together with food and games every April.

 Elgin, ILOttawa, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock18,719329,725,481
 Median Income$79,757  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$264,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time28.39  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Elgin    9 Reviews

When I first moved to Elgin 2 years ago I did not like it. I lived in a mobile home park near the river and highway 90 in a senior community that over prices it's lot  More

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Hi, as a way of updating the post for Elgin and providing a rebuttal for some of the negative reviews, I've decided to post on this board. I've lived in Elgin since  More

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Over 15 years ago

I have lived in Elgin my whole life and it is very sad to read these comments about my town.... I'm a senior at South Elgin High School and I will be graduating this  More

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Reviews for Ottawa    6 Reviews

Over 8 years ago

Have all of the radiation sites been cleaned up? If not, did the tornado stir up and blast some radiation from these sites to other  More

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Over 11 years ago

Good location with low cost of living and close enough to Chicago and suburbs to take advantage of their  More

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Over 15 years ago

Although Ottawa is a very nice place to live, living here is becoming rediculous...as taxes go. I bought a house less then four years ago and my taxed went from  More

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