Brea, CA vs Evanston, 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
Evanston
74.7
#562 nationally
Evanston leads in walk score (76 vs 50). Evanston leads in crime level (3.9 vs 5.8). Evanston leads in cost of living index (131 vs 178).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Brea, CA | Evanston, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1700) | 74.7 (#562) |
| Population | 48,479 | 75,070 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,134,146 | $494,604 |
| Median Household Income | $120,226 | $93,188 |
| Average Commute | 31.1 min | 29 min |
| Walk Score | 50 | 76 |
| Crime Level | 5.8 | 3.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 178 | 131 |
| 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
74.7 Score
Evanston, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$494,604
Population
75,070
Crime
Low
Walk Score
76
Midwest
View Evanston, IL →