Des Plaines, IL vs San Mateo, 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.
Des Plaines
76.4
#348 nationally
San Mateo
63
#1808 nationally
Des Plaines leads in cost of living index (112 vs 249). Des Plaines leads in crime level (3.3 vs 6.7). San Mateo leads in median household income ($149,152 vs $86,552).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Plaines, IL | San Mateo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.4 (#348) | 63 (#1808) |
| Population | 58,010 | 101,327 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $360,725 | $1,685,162 |
| Median Household Income | $86,552 | $149,152 |
| Average Commute | 29.9 min | 28.5 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 68 |
| Crime Level | 3.3 | 6.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 249 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+50.3 |
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 →
D
63 Score
San Mateo, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,685,162
Population
101,327
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
68
Pacific
View San Mateo, CA →
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