Carol Stream, IL vs Irvine, 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
Irvine
67.2
#1452 nationally
Carol Stream leads in cost of living index (113 vs 178). Irvine leads in walk score (44 vs 36). Irvine leads in average commute (25.8 min vs 29.3 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carol Stream, IL | Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 75.4 (#460) | 67.2 (#1452) |
| Population | 38,966 | 307,670 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $388,952 | $1,517,431 |
| Median Household Income | $103,525 | $116,519 |
| Average Commute | 29.3 min | 25.8 min |
| Walk Score | 36 | 44 |
| Crime Level | 1.9 | Very Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 9.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 113 | 178 |
| 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+
67.2 Score
Irvine, CA
Master-planned perfection in Southern California
Median Home
$1,517,431
Population
307,670
Crime
Very Low
Schools
A+
Pacific
View Irvine, CA →
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