Elgin, IL vs Monterey, 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.
Elgin
72.8
#824 nationally
Monterey
62.7
#1834 nationally
Elgin leads in cost of living index (104 vs 192). Monterey leads in average commute (19.1 min vs 28.3 min). Elgin leads in crime level (7.3 vs 10.5).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Elgin, IL | Monterey, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.8 (#824) | 62.7 (#1834) |
| Population | 113,310 | 29,116 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $343,260 | $1,179,065 |
| Median Household Income | $85,998 | $98,003 |
| Average Commute | 28.3 min | 19.1 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 53 |
| Crime Level | 7.3 | 10.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 192 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+29.9 |
C-
72.8 Score
Elgin, IL
Mid-size Illinois city with community character
Median Home
$343,260
Population
113,310
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
43
Midwest
View Elgin, IL →
D-
62.7 Score
Monterey, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,179,065
Population
29,116
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
53
Pacific
View Monterey, CA →