Elgin, IL vs Pacifica, 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
Pacifica
64.7
#1680 nationally
Elgin leads in cost of living index (104 vs 211). Pacifica leads in crime level (4.0 vs 7.3). Pacifica leads in median household income ($151,849 vs $85,998).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Elgin, IL | Pacifica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.8 (#824) | 64.7 (#1680) |
| Population | 113,310 | 36,426 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $343,260 | $1,276,738 |
| Median Household Income | $85,998 | $151,849 |
| Average Commute | 28.3 min | 29 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 45 |
| Crime Level | 7.3 | 4.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 211 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+50.3 |
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
64.7 Score
Pacifica, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,276,738
Population
36,426
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
45
Pacific
View Pacifica, CA →
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