2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Fairfax, VA vs Des Plaines, IL

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Des Plaines older or younger than people in Fairfax?
- The Median Age in Des Plaines is 4.6 years older than in Fairfax.

Are housing costs cheaper in Des Plaines or Fairfax?
- Des Plaines housing costs are 59.1% less expensive than Fairfax housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Des Plaines or Fairfax?
- The average commute for residents of Des Plaines is 2.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Fairfax.

Things to do in Fairfax?
Fairfax is an incorporated city sitting within Fairfax County, Virginia featuring plenty of things to do during your stay like attending concerts at the historic Sunnyside Botanical Garden suitable for those looking to enjoy some family friendly fun plus nearby Sully Historic Site has stunning views ideal for outdoor activities. Additionally there are several locally owned stores and eateries providing unique items or delicious cuisine great for any budget during their stay here!

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!

 Fairfax, VADes Plaines, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock60,413329,725,481
 Median Income$118,492  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$654,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time31.15  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Fairfax    28 Reviews

I lived in the area for 17 years through high school until I eventually became a truck driver. Having now seen most states extensively, I wanted to fairly review what  More

   |    Reply

Living in Fairfax, or any of the Northern Virginia suburbs of DC, means dealing with highways that are a Gordian knot of converging lanes and overpasses, making long  More

   |    Reply

Over 10 years ago

The Cost of living here is high. Though the standard of living is also high, unless you're making over 50,000/year, it's difficult to both live and build any sort of  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Fairfax

Reviews for Des Plaines    4 Reviews

Over 15 years ago

low  More

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Des Plaines


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.