2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Palmer, AK vs Bend, OR

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Highlights
Are people in Bend older or younger than people in Palmer?
- The Median Age in Bend is 8.3 years older than in Palmer.

Are housing costs cheaper in Bend or Palmer?
- Bend housing costs are 89.6% more expensive than Palmer housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Bend or Palmer?
- The average commute for residents of Bend is 14.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Palmer.

Things to do in Palmer?
Living in Palmer, AK is a unique experience. The small town atmosphere and friendly locals make it a great place to call home. The outdoors offer countless activities, from hiking to fishing and hunting, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Alaskan wilderness. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration, including local trails and nearby parks and recreation areas. Shopping in Palmer is also convenient with an array of stores to choose from. Public transportation makes getting around easy whether you need to get to Anchorage or Wasilla. Overall, Palmer is a wonderful place to live with its small-town charm and proximity to so many outdoor attractions.

Things to do in Bend?
Bend, Oregon is an incredible city located in central Oregon. It's known for its breathtaking mountain views, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can take advantage of outdoor activities like exploring Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway or hiking at Lava Lands Visitor Center to explore the local area. Nature enthusiasts can visit places like Deschutes National Forest or High Desert Museum to gain insight into local wildlife. After exploring, sample delicious food from restaurants like Wild Rose or Roost Beer Garden & Pub. With so much to offer, Bend is a fantastic place to visit for an unforgettable experience!

 Palmer, AKBend, ORUnited States
 Population  Unlock97,042329,725,481
 Median Income$62,068  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock38.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$351,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.16  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Palmer    3 Reviews

The first time I saw Palmer was in 1974. It's grown up from the old days of farm country complete with 4-H clubs, fields of crops and livestock. Gone are most of the  More

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Over 19 years ago

The four months of cold and dark. Winter lasts about 8 months, but the real cold, dark lasts about 4 months. It is getting harder and harder to deal with as I get  More

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Over 19 years ago

I have lived in Palmer for 11 years. I love everything about it except about four months of the dark, cold winters. The people are  More

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Reviews for Bend    100 Reviews

I have visited Bend for many years and moved here last year with my family. Every person that complains about Bend does not understand how economics works. The main  More

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Over 4 years ago

When I moved to Bend it was a charming small city of about 50,000 people. The population has now more than doubled and the once clean, quiet community is a noisy, dirty,  More

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Over 4 years ago

I've lived in Bend for 10 years now. I'm originally from a poorer town in CA with the same population as Bend. Here are my pros and cons of living in Bend. Pros: -  More

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