2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Waterloo, IA vs Madison, WI

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Highlights
Are people in Madison older or younger than people in Waterloo?
- The Median Age in Madison is 5.3 years younger than in Waterloo.

Are housing costs cheaper in Madison or Waterloo?
- Madison housing costs are 178.9% more expensive than Waterloo housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Madison or Waterloo?
- The average commute for residents of Madison is 3.9 minutes longer than it is for residents of Waterloo.

Things to do in Waterloo?
Waterloo, Iowa is a charming city located in the heart of northeast Iowa. It features a small-town atmosphere combined with big city amenities. Residents here enjoy plenty of shopping and entertainment options such as Crossroads Mall or the National Cattle Congress Grounds. There are also several outdoor activities to take part in at George Wyth State Park or Sullivan Lake. With its strong economy, scenic beauty and amazing attractions, it's no wonder why so many people choose to call Waterloo their home!

Things to do in Madison?
Madison, Wisconsin is a vibrant city with a unique mix of culture and history. Take a stroll through State Street and explore the city's many art galleries, bookstores and some of the best restaurants in the Midwest. Visit University of Wisconsin-Madison for some stunning architecture and inspiring scientific research, or take in an outdoor concert at Breese Stevens Field. With its beautiful lakeshore backdrop, lively farmers markets, and incredible cultural events,Madison is an ideal place to live and visit!

 Waterloo, IAMadison, WIUnited States
 Population  Unlock265,447329,725,481
 Median Income$49,430  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock31.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$121,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.53  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Waterloo    5 Reviews

The bike racks recently installed on the MET buses was a great idea for a community that has numerous bike riders and  More

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Over 17 years ago

Unless you're into getting wasted on a regular basis there's not a lot to do here. Most people barhop for fun. Being someone who doesn't drink and doesn't enjoy being  More

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Over 17 years ago

So the weather is emotional here - on and off during the summer its hot and rainy, yet during the fall it is quite often beautiful. Winters can be long, and spring can  More

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Reviews for Madison    78 Reviews

Unfortunately, a number of these reviews are politically based. Madison remains the only shining star in Wisconsin’s economy. The economy is broadly based, with  More

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Have been living in Madison for almost 3 years. It’s very safe, ppl generally friendly and for a town of its size it has fair number of good restaurants and interesting  More

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Lacks balance and zero accountability.   More

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