Cary, NC 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.
Cary
72.1
#924 nationally
Des Plaines
76.4
#348 nationally
Des Plaines leads in walk score (57 vs 28). Cary leads in crime level (1.9 vs 3.3). Cary leads in median household income ($125,317 vs $86,552).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Cary, NC | Des Plaines, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.1 (#924) | 76.4 (#348) |
| Population | 180,010 | 58,010 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $628,913 | $360,725 |
| Median Household Income | $125,317 | $86,552 |
| Average Commute | 22.8 min | 29.9 min |
| Walk Score | 28 | 57 |
| Crime Level | 1.9 | 3.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 112 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+25.6 | D+42.0 |
C-
72.1 Score
Cary, NC
Mid-size North Carolina city with community character
Median Home
$628,913
Population
180,010
Crime
Low
Walk Score
28
Southeast
View Cary, NC →
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 →