2025 Compare Cities Overview:
West Lafayette, IN vs Decatur, IL

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Decatur older or younger than people in West Lafayette?
- The Median Age in Decatur is 18.4 years older than in West Lafayette.

Are housing costs cheaper in Decatur or West Lafayette?
- Decatur housing costs are 72.7% less expensive than West Lafayette housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Decatur or West Lafayette?
- The average commute for residents of Decatur is 0.8 minutes longer than it is for residents of West Lafayette.

Things to do in West Lafayette?
West Lafayette, IN is a vibrant city located in Tippecanoe County in north-central Indiana. Home to Purdue University, the community of West Lafayette offers its residents access to world-class education facilities and a thriving economy. The area features several parks and recreational areas perfect for outdoor activities such as biking along the Wabash River or playing baseball at Howard Park. Residents also appreciate being surrounded by a variety of restaurants, unique shops, art galleries and other amenities that make living here so enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to explore nature’s beauty or just want to experience a lively college town atmosphere, West Lafayette is sure to please!

Things to do in Decatur?
Decatur, Illinois is a vibrant city located in the Midwestern United States. Home to attractions such as Scovill Zoo and Nelson Park, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and nature when visiting Decatur. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as Macon County History Museum and Richland Community College Performance Center. For entertainment, visitors can explore downtown shopping districts and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Decatur has something for everyone!

 West Lafayette, INDecatur, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock71,309329,725,481
 Median Income$28,744  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$306,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock10.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.63  Unlock26.38
Reviews for West Lafayette    11 Reviews

I am originally from Greencastle, Indiana, a nice friendly rural town and home to DePauw University. Presently, I live in West Lafayette, Indiana, due to my having been  More

   |    Reply

Over 11 years ago

It's a nice small town. It's too bad it's not closer to Indy. I think I would like it here  More

   |    Reply

Over 14 years ago

They have good schools, parks and always have events to  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of West Lafayette

Reviews for Decatur    14 Reviews

I was sent here by the company I worked for in the '90's and was not initially impressed with midwest living. However, over the years I got used to living in the "Pride  More

   |    Reply

I grew up in Decatur and I still have family there, but it depresses me to see what it has become. It has a high unemployment rate, many business have closed or are run  More

   |    Reply

Over 14 years ago

If you enjoy drinking & driving, Decatur's fifteen drive-thru liquor windows, three times the # of drive-thru's than the ten largest cities in Illinois, COMBINED, will  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Decatur


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.