Boston, MA vs Carol Stream, 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.
Boston
66.2
#1568 nationally
Carol Stream
75.4
#460 nationally
Boston leads in walk score (83 vs 36). Carol Stream leads in cost of living index (113 vs 155). Carol Stream leads in median household income ($103,525 vs $81,744).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Boston, MA | Carol Stream, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.2 (#1568) | 75.4 (#460) |
| Population | 684,379 | 38,966 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $787,763 | $388,952 |
| Median Household Income | $81,744 | $103,525 |
| Average Commute | 30.2 min | 29.3 min |
| Walk Score | 83 | 36 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 1.9 |
| School Rating | 7.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 155 | 113 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+52.5 | D+13.3 |
D
66.2 Score
Boston, MA
Innovation hub with historic charm
Median Home
$787,763
Population
684,379
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Northeast
View Boston, MA →
C
75.4 Score
Carol Stream, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$388,952
Population
38,966
Crime
Low
Walk Score
36
Midwest
View Carol Stream, IL →
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