Rolling Meadows, IL vs Waltham, MA
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.
Rolling Meadows
77.3
#260 nationally
Waltham
66.7
#1517 nationally
Rolling Meadows leads in crime level (2.7 vs 6.9). Rolling Meadows leads in cost of living index (111 vs 164). Waltham leads in walk score (57 vs 42).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Rolling Meadows, IL | Waltham, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.3 (#260) | 66.7 (#1517) |
| Population | 23,329 | 64,477 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $342,521 | $831,292 |
| Median Household Income | $91,287 | $113,443 |
| Average Commute | 26.6 min | 24.6 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 57 |
| Crime Level | 2.7 | 6.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 164 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | D+39.5 |
C+
77.3 Score
Rolling Meadows, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$342,521
Population
23,329
Crime
Low
Walk Score
42
Midwest
View Rolling Meadows, IL →
D
66.7 Score
Waltham, MA
Massachusetts community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$831,292
Population
64,477
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
57
Northeast
View Waltham, MA →
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