Aurora, IL vs Melrose, MA
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.
Aurora
73.2
#764 nationally
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
Melrose leads in crime level (2.8 vs 7.3). Aurora leads in cost of living index (105 vs 167). Melrose leads in walk score (62 vs 40).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Aurora, IL | Melrose, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.2 (#764) | 67.3 (#1438) |
| Population | 177,563 | 29,357 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $326,890 | $930,823 |
| Median Household Income | $85,943 | $126,305 |
| Average Commute | 28.6 min | 37.1 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 62 |
| Crime Level | 7.3 | 2.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 167 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.3 | D+39.5 |
C
73.2 Score
Aurora, IL
Mid-size Illinois city with community character
Median Home
$326,890
Population
177,563
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
40
Midwest
View Aurora, IL →
D+
67.3 Score
Melrose, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$930,823
Population
29,357
Crime
Low
Walk Score
62
Northeast
View Melrose, MA →