2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Evanston, IL vs Portage, MI

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Highlights
Are people in Portage older or younger than people in Evanston?
- The Median Age in Portage is 0.4 years older than in Evanston.

Are housing costs cheaper in Portage or Evanston?
- Portage housing costs are 40.7% less expensive than Evanston housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Portage or Evanston?
- The average commute for residents of Portage is 11.4 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Evanston.

Things to do in Evanston?
Evanston, Illinois is a vibrant city located in the Northeastern region of the United States. Home to attractions such as Northwestern University and Chicago Botanic Garden, visitors can explore outdoor activities and educational sites when visiting Evanston. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian and Piven Theatre Works. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Evanston has something for everyone!

Things to do in Portage?
Portage, MI is a peaceful community located in Kalamazoo County near Lake Michigan. Home to numerous parks and recreational areas including Celery Flats Historical Area and Portage Creek Bicentennial Park, Portage provides its residents with plenty of outdoor resources perfect for activities like disc golfing at Milham Park Golf Course or fishing on Pigeon River Country State Game Area. In addition, there are many restaurants, unique shops and other amenities that make living here so enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for rural serenity or just want easy access to nearby cities — Portage has something for everyone!

 Evanston, ILPortage, MIUnited States
 Population  Unlock48,767329,725,481
 Median Income$87,345  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock3738.4
 Avg. Home Price$424,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.84  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Evanston    20 Reviews

Over 7 years ago

be sure to take pictures of where you park... Full-scale parking scam going on in this town. They purposely obscure self-pay parking signs. Nine out of 10 visitors  More

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I've lived here for two years for school. Terrible place for students. Northwestern is a great school/campus, but the city itself is NOT student friendly. Everything  More

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Aside from everything else mentioned on this site about the bad aspects of Evanston - bot be overlooked is the NOISE. The People's Republic of Evanston CATERS to the  More

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Reviews for Portage    3 Reviews

Over 10 years ago

I'm just writing because I think that the people who are in my opinion bashing Kalamazoo, really don't know anything about it. I have vacationed in much larger cities,  More

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Before I moved to Portage in 2007, I didn't have any real breathing problems. I had a minor case of hay fever. I moved here and I am stuck inside most of the summer  More

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Over 21 years ago

Portage is a nice palce to live and raise a family. I don't think it would be a good place for a single  More

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