Carol Stream, IL vs Cary, NC
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.
Carol Stream
75.4
#460 nationally
Cary
72.1
#924 nationally
Carol Stream leads in walk score (36 vs 28). Cary leads in average commute (22.8 min vs 29.3 min). Cary leads in median household income ($125,317 vs $103,525).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carol Stream, IL | Cary, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 75.4 (#460) | 72.1 (#924) |
| Population | 38,966 | 180,010 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $388,952 | $628,913 |
| Median Household Income | $103,525 | $125,317 |
| Average Commute | 29.3 min | 22.8 min |
| Walk Score | 36 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 1.9 | 1.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 113 | 125 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.3 | D+25.6 |
C
75.4 Score
Carol Stream, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$388,952
Population
38,966
Crime
Low
Walk Score
36
Midwest
View Carol Stream, IL →
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 →
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