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

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Highlights
Are people in Normal older or younger than people in Madison?
- The Median Age in Normal is 27.0 years younger than in Madison.

Are housing costs cheaper in Normal or Madison?
- Normal housing costs are 314.6% more expensive than Madison housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Normal or Madison?
- The average commute for residents of Normal is 4.8 minutes shorter 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 Normal?
Normal, Illinois is a vibrant city located in McLean County, just north of Bloomington-Normal. It is home to Illinois State University and has a bustling downtown area with numerous shops, restaurants, and businesses. Normal is a major hub in the region for healthcare, finance and education opportunities. There are abundant recreational options including natural areas, parks and trails that offer plenty of outdoor activities. A variety of cultural amenities are also available such as theater performances, festivals, art galleries and other entertainment venues that give residents something to do in their spare time. Normal is truly a wonderful place where people can come together to work, play, learn and live!

 Madison, ILNormal, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock53,446329,725,481
 Median Income$33,958  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock25.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$50,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.4%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.57  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Madison    0 Reviews

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Reviews for Normal    5 Reviews

While not a perfect town by any stretch of the imagination, I have lived in Normal my entire life and I have to say that there are FAR worse places one could live. The  More

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Over 16 years ago

I would like to know more about the quality of education at Illinois State  More

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With relatively low crime, good schools and excellent access to higher education, Normal is a great place to raise a family. The city is trying to update its city center  More

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