2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Iowa City, IA vs Brainerd, MN

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Highlights
Are people in Brainerd older or younger than people in Iowa City?
- The Median Age in Brainerd is 9.9 years older than in Iowa City.

Are housing costs cheaper in Brainerd or Iowa City?
- Brainerd housing costs are 0.4% more expensive than Iowa City housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Brainerd or Iowa City?
- The average commute for residents of Brainerd is 1.8 minutes longer than it is for residents of Iowa City.

Things to do in Iowa City?
Iowa City, Iowa is a vibrant city located in the Midwestern United States. Home to attractions such as The University of Iowa and The Old Capitol Museum, visitors can explore outdoor activities and historical sites when visiting Iowa City. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as The Kalona Historical Village and Studio Arts. 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, Iowa City has something for everyone!

Things to do in Brainerd?
Brainerd, MN is an inviting small city west of Minneapolis full of amazing places to explore like Brainerd International Raceway displaying its unique environment or Northland Arboretum offering fun rides and tour opportunities; they organize vivid festivals like Brainerd Jaycees Street Fest every August.

 Iowa City, IABrainerd, MNUnited States
 Population  Unlock14,053329,725,481
 Median Income$51,925  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock3638.4
 Avg. Home Price$265,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.05  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Iowa City    24 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

I was there 5 years. Nothing to do but we’ll go shopping... at Walmart. It lacks so many things. There is no experience here, it jumps on any political band wagon and  More

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Over 5 years ago

Entertainment lacks greatly - especially the Hancher shows. I was hoping after they rebuilt they would be getting better shows there, that didn't happen. One has to  More

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Over 7 years ago

Iowa City is great. It's diverse and never boring. There always a variety of new shops and restaurants to explore and try out. Also watching college kids do stupid  More

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Reviews for Brainerd    5 Reviews

Research, research, research! Personal reviews don't give you the "whole" story! Whether the opinions are "glowing" or scathing do not base your opinion on them! Some  More

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No comment since you  More

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Over 14 years ago

Small town. Everyone knows everyone else's business. No work. Located in Crow Wing County and has highest unemployment rate in the state. Poor healthcare. Essentia  More

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