2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Portage, MI vs Des Plaines, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Des Plaines older or younger than people in Portage?
- The Median Age in Des Plaines is 5.3 years older than in Portage.

Are housing costs cheaper in Des Plaines or Portage?
- Des Plaines housing costs are 6.1% more expensive than Portage housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Des Plaines or Portage?
- The average commute for residents of Des Plaines is 8.9 minutes longer than it is for residents of Portage.

Things to do in Portage?
Portage, MI is a peaceful community located in Kalamazoo County near Lake Michigan. Home to numerous parks and recreational areas including Celery Flats Historical Area and Portage Creek Bicentennial Park, Portage provides its residents with plenty of outdoor resources perfect for activities like disc golfing at Milham Park Golf Course or fishing on Pigeon River Country State Game Area. In addition, there are many restaurants, unique shops and other amenities that make living here so enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for rural serenity or just want easy access to nearby cities — Portage has something for everyone!

Things to do in Des Plaines?
Des Plaines, Illinois is a vibrant and thriving city located just outside of Chicago. This bustling town offers a unique mix of small town charm and big city energy with plenty of shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions. There are also several concert venues, theatres, and museums to explore while in Des Plaines. Visitors can also enjoy a wide array of activities from antiquing to golfing if they're looking for something more active. Whatever you choose to do there's no doubt that Des Plaines will make your stay enjoyable!

 Portage, MIDes Plaines, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock60,413329,725,481
 Median Income$68,755  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$252,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.43  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Portage    3 Reviews

I'm just writing because I think that the people who are in my opinion bashing Kalamazoo, really don't know anything about it. I have vacationed in much larger cities,  More

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Before I moved to Portage in 2007, I didn't have any real breathing problems. I had a minor case of hay fever. I moved here and I am stuck inside most of the summer  More

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Over 20 years ago

Portage is a nice palce to live and raise a family. I don't think it would be a good place for a single  More

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Reviews for Des Plaines    4 Reviews

Over 15 years ago

low  More

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Over 16 years ago

The historic center of des plaines is also downtown. Fairly easy commute to Chicago. The metra is right there. Also there is the Des Plaines public library with a great  More

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Over 18 years ago

Changing of the seasons is good. But it's too cold for too  More

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