Elgin, IL vs Scottsdale, AZ
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
Scottsdale
68.2
#1340 nationally
Elgin leads in cost of living index (104 vs 124). Scottsdale leads in average commute (24.2 min vs 28.3 min). Elgin leads in walk score (43 vs 37).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Elgin, IL | Scottsdale, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.8 (#824) | 68.2 (#1340) |
| Population | 113,310 | 265,356 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $343,260 | $854,394 |
| Median Household Income | $85,998 | $98,721 |
| Average Commute | 28.3 min | 24.2 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 7.3 | Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 8.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 124 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+42.0 | R+3.5 |
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+
68.2 Score
Scottsdale, AZ
Desert luxury and Southwestern style
Median Home
$854,394
Population
265,356
Crime
Low
Schools
A-
Southwest
View Scottsdale, AZ →