2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Valparaiso, IN vs Portage, MI

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Highlights
Are people in Portage older or younger than people in Valparaiso?
- The Median Age in Portage is 0.5 years older than in Valparaiso.

Are housing costs cheaper in Portage or Valparaiso?
- Portage housing costs are 16.3% less expensive than Valparaiso housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Portage or Valparaiso?
- The average commute for residents of Portage is 2.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Valparaiso.

Things to do in Valparaiso?
Valparaiso IN is situated in Porter County right along Lake Michigan and offers plenty of outdoor fun from beach-combing to sailing while still having convenient access to Purdue University’s campus nearby.

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!

 Valparaiso, INPortage, MIUnited States
 Population  Unlock48,767329,725,481
 Median Income$56,465  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock3738.4
 Avg. Home Price$301,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.97  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Valparaiso    11 Reviews

Over 11 years ago

I moved to Valparaiso, IN about 1 year ago. I moved here because I was attending the law school located here. At a glance, it appears to be a small town, with many new  More

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Over 12 years ago

My favorite restaurants in Valparaiso are: Panera Bread--The lines sometimes get long, but, the service is decent and the food is great. Red Robin--Bottomless fries  More

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I loved driving anywhere, down any road because of the trees, fields and green, green grass that is all over. Cost of living is outrageous! But lil towns close by make  More

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Reviews for Portage    3 Reviews

Over 10 years ago

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 21 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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