Brea, CA vs Des Plaines, 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.
Brea
64.3
#1700 nationally
Des Plaines
76.4
#348 nationally
Des Plaines leads in crime level (3.3 vs 5.8). Des Plaines leads in cost of living index (112 vs 178). Brea leads in median household income ($120,226 vs $86,552).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Brea, CA | Des Plaines, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1700) | 76.4 (#348) |
| Population | 48,479 | 58,010 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,134,146 | $360,725 |
| Median Household Income | $120,226 | $86,552 |
| Average Commute | 31.1 min | 29.9 min |
| Walk Score | 50 | 57 |
| Crime Level | 5.8 | 3.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 178 | 112 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+2.6 | D+42.0 |
D
64.3 Score
Brea, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,134,146
Population
48,479
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
50
Pacific
View Brea, CA →
C
76.4 Score
Des Plaines, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$360,725
Population
58,010
Crime
Low
Walk Score
57
Midwest
View Des Plaines, IL →