2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Iowa City, IA vs Ottawa, IL

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Ottawa older or younger than people in Iowa City?
- The Median Age in Ottawa is 13.6 years older than in Iowa City.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ottawa or Iowa City?
- Ottawa housing costs are 43.2% less expensive than Iowa City housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ottawa or Iowa City?
- The average commute for residents of Ottawa is 3.1 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 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.

 Iowa City, IAOttawa, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock18,719329,725,481
 Median Income$51,925  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$265,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.3%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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Iowa City

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

   |    Reply

Over 11 years ago

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Ottawa


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.