2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Waterloo, IL vs Carbondale, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Carbondale older or younger than people in Waterloo?
- The Median Age in Carbondale is 15.6 years younger than in Waterloo.

Are housing costs cheaper in Carbondale or Waterloo?
- Carbondale housing costs are 52.7% less expensive than Waterloo housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Carbondale or Waterloo?
- The average commute for residents of Carbondale is 14.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Waterloo.

Things to do in Waterloo?
Waterloo is a city in Monroe County, Illinois with a population of over 9,000 people. It covers an area of 7.6 square miles and offers plenty of local attractions such as the Discovery Garden Trail – great for nature walks and bike rides, as well as the Monroe County Historical Museum which showcases the history of this region.

Things to do in Carbondale?
Carbondale, Illinois is a vibrant city located in the heart of Southern Illinois. Visitors will find plenty to do and explore, including popular attractions like the Giant City State Park and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. The town boasts a thriving cultural scene with festivals, events, and live music venues all year round. Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy browsing through the abundance of eclectic specialty stores and boutiques. Those looking for outdoor adventure can take part in activities like kayaking or mountain biking at nearby Shawnee National Forest. With its diverse culture and plenty of recreational opportunities, Carbondale is an ideal destination for visitors looking to experience the best that Southern Illinois has to offer.

 Waterloo, ILCarbondale, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock22,388329,725,481
 Median Income$79,107  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock24.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$245,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time28.22  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Waterloo    0 Reviews

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Reviews for Carbondale    7 Reviews

I've lived in C'dale for over 30 years. I got an excellent education here - Giant City School was great, though fairly insular and not very diverse (among its drawbacks  More

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Over 17 years ago

I like Carbondale. It is relaxing and an easy way to go about getting a college degree. It has its ups and downs, mainly with the people in the town not recognizing the  More

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All of the comments are negative here and seem to me to be misleading. The idea that you have to have a lot of money in Carbondale is ridiculous. The price of cultural  More

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