Carol Stream, IL vs Costa Mesa, CA
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.
Carol Stream
75.4
#460 nationally
Costa Mesa
60.6
#1929 nationally
Carol Stream leads in crime level (1.9 vs 20.2). Costa Mesa leads in walk score (65 vs 36). Carol Stream leads in cost of living index (113 vs 197).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carol Stream, IL | Costa Mesa, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 75.4 (#460) | 60.6 (#1929) |
| Population | 38,966 | 108,354 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $388,952 | $1,424,322 |
| Median Household Income | $103,525 | $104,981 |
| Average Commute | 29.3 min | 21.9 min |
| Walk Score | 36 | 65 |
| Crime Level | 1.9 | 20.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 113 | 197 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.3 | D+2.6 |
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 →
D-
60.6 Score
Costa Mesa, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,424,322
Population
108,354
Crime
High
Walk Score
65
Pacific
View Costa Mesa, CA →
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