2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Madison, IL vs Chicago, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Chicago older or younger than people in Madison?
- The Median Age in Chicago is 17.0 years younger than in Madison.

Are housing costs cheaper in Chicago or Madison?
- Chicago housing costs are 461.5% more expensive than Madison housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Chicago or Madison?
- The average commute for residents of Chicago is 12.1 minutes longer than it is for residents of Madison.

Things to do in Madison?
Living in Madison, IL is a great experience. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Madison offers easy access to a wide range of outdoor activities including fishing, boating, and hiking. The city is also home to a number of popular attractions like Chain of Rocks Bridge and Gateway Arch National Park. Additionally, Madison features plenty of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues for visitors to enjoy throughout the year. Residents take advantage of the natural beauty that surrounds them with lots of parks and recreational opportunities nearby. The city has a strong sense of community and offers many community-based programs and events for residents to participate in. Overall, Madison is an ideal place to live with its pleasant climate and close proximity to St. Louis making it an ideal destination for people looking for a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Things to do in Chicago?
Chicago, Illinois is an American icon. Located along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, it's a vibrant city with an energy like no other. It's renowned for its world-class museums and galleries, rich history and stunning architecture. With hundreds of parks and beaches to explore, amazing restaurants to sample, and a bustling nightlife scene - Chicago has something for everyone! It's the home of diverse cultures and international events, making it one of the most unique cities in the US.

 Madison, ILChicago, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock2,742,119329,725,481
 Median Income$33,958  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$50,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock9.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.57  Unlock26.38
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Reviews for Chicago    270 Reviews

I've lived in Chicago city and later moved to suburbs when family size increased. Absolutely love this city. This is the cleanest and most beautiful among the major  More

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Chicago is probably the best value in a major city that you can find and my personal favorite city. It will become increasingly important as climate change makes the  More

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I've live on north side and south side, UIC medical center. Don't move here go to the north side. No good amenities, if you get bored with one there is no other choices.  More

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