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

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Highlights
Are people in Carbondale older or younger than people in Springfield?
- The Median Age in Carbondale is 14.9 years younger than in Springfield.

Are housing costs cheaper in Carbondale or Springfield?
- Carbondale housing costs are 12.8% less expensive than Springfield housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Carbondale or Springfield?
- The average commute for residents of Carbondale is 3.6 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Springfield.

Things to do in Springfield?
Springfield, Illinois is a vibrant and charming city in the heart of the state. Known for being the home of Abraham Lincoln, this city is steeped in history, offering museums and tours that explore its incredible legacy. However, it's also an incredibly modern city, full of great restaurants, entertainment venues and shopping opportunities. Sports fans can enjoy a range of professional teams while outdoor enthusiasts have access to numerous nearby parks and trails. With a pleasant climate year-round, Springfield is an excellent destination for anyone looking to explore Central Illinois!

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.

 Springfield, ILCarbondale, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock22,388329,725,481
 Median Income$57,596  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock24.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$133,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.55  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Springfield    25 Reviews

I've lived here for over 40 years. Springfield is a decent place to raise a family. Solid midwestern values, and I've always felt safe. Opportunities exist, but there  More

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I moved (back) to Springfield after living in various cities and towns around the country - as large as Milwaukee, as small as Baker, NV - and can say without  More

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hugh · 
Over 4 years ago

whole town smells like dirty ***** and  More

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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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