2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Mason City, IA vs Petoskey, MI

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Highlights
Are people in Petoskey older or younger than people in Mason City?
- The Median Age in Petoskey is 0.6 years younger than in Mason City.

Are housing costs cheaper in Petoskey or Mason City?
- Petoskey housing costs are 152.4% more expensive than Mason City housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Petoskey or Mason City?
- The average commute for residents of Petoskey is 4.3 minutes longer than it is for residents of Mason City.

Things to do in Mason City?
Mason City, IA is a vibrant city located in the heart of Iowa. With an estimated population of 27,000 people, Mason City has something special for everyone. From outdoor activities like boating on the Winnebago River and golfing at Chaplin Park to unique shopping experiences along North Federal Avenue, there’s always something to explore and enjoy in this charming city. Residents also benefit from easy access to excellent public and private schools as well as top-notch healthcare facilities. Whether you’re looking for exploration or relaxation – Mason City has something special for everyone!

Things to do in Petoskey?
Petoskey, MI is a small city situated in northwest Lower Michigan and is known for its breathtaking views of the Great Lakes. It is an ideal place to live, offering a peaceful and safe atmosphere combined with plenty of recreational activities. The downtown area has plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes to explore, while there are also numerous parks and outdoor areas nearby offering great opportunities for hiking, biking, camping and fishing. Despite its small size Petoskey provides a vibrant community with many local events going on throughout the year. With its stunning scenery and laidback lifestyle Petoskey offers the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure making it an ideal place to live!

 Mason City, IAPetoskey, MIUnited States
 Population  Unlock5,856329,725,481
 Median Income$56,009  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock41.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$137,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time14.82  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Mason City    8 Reviews

I am from the area originally and have lived several places. I recently moved back from Arizona. I moved back to help with my elderly parents. If I did not have  More

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Over 14 years ago

Where to begin?? Murder,arson,abductions,beastialty,gang killings,meth labs,pantie thiefs. High utility bills, no jobs, corrupt police, evil judges, minus 40 below wind  More

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Over 15 years ago

Unless you have a tie to Mason City, such as family, don't even consider this desolate town. The population is declining rapidly for a reason. You are on an island,  More

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Reviews for Petoskey    15 Reviews

The people in Petoskey are generally pleasant, friendly, and courteous .... even the teenagers in our experience. Petoskey is certainly a physically attractive area in  More

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Petoskey, between Harbor Springs and Charlevoix, is in a trio of small northern Lower Michigan towns that exceeds the charm and sophistication of typical small towns.   More

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Over 7 years ago

My husband and I have lived in Petoskey for 8 years. We have lived in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Virginia and Ohio and by far, Petoskey is our favorite place to live. We  More

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