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

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Highlights
Are people in Chicago older or younger than people in Ottawa?
- The Median Age in Chicago is 4.6 years younger than in Ottawa.

Are housing costs cheaper in Chicago or Ottawa?
- Chicago housing costs are 88.1% more expensive than Ottawa housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Chicago or Ottawa?
- The average commute for residents of Chicago is 14.5 minutes longer than it is for residents of Ottawa.

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.

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.

 Ottawa, ILChicago, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock2,742,119329,725,481
 Median Income$61,083  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$151,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock9.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time20.1  Unlock26.38
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

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Over 11 years ago

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

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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

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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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