Alameda, CA vs Elgin, IL
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Alameda
63.4
#1768 nationally
Elgin
72.8
#824 nationally
Elgin leads in cost of living index (104 vs 206). Alameda leads in walk score (68 vs 43). Alameda leads in median household income ($129,917 vs $85,998).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Alameda, CA | Elgin, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.4 (#1768) | 72.8 (#824) |
| Population | 75,353 | 113,310 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,156,096 | $343,260 |
| Median Household Income | $129,917 | $85,998 |
| Average Commute | 33.4 min | 28.3 min |
| Walk Score | 68 | 43 |
| Crime Level | 8.7 | 7.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 206 | 104 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+53.6 | D+42.0 |
D
63.4 Score
Alameda, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,156,096
Population
75,353
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
68
Pacific
View Alameda, CA →
C-
72.8 Score
Elgin, IL
Mid-size Illinois city with community character
Median Home
$343,260
Population
113,310
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
43
Midwest
View Elgin, IL →