Melrose, MA vs St. Charles, IL
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.
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
St. Charles
73.3
#762 nationally
Melrose leads in walk score (62 vs 37). St. Charles leads in cost of living index (118 vs 167). St. Charles leads in average commute (28.4 min vs 37.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Melrose, MA | St. Charles, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.3 (#1438) | 73.3 (#762) |
| Population | 29,357 | 32,654 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $930,823 | $482,151 |
| Median Household Income | $126,305 | $110,346 |
| Average Commute | 37.1 min | 28.4 min |
| Walk Score | 62 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 2.8 | 2.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 167 | 118 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+39.5 | D+9.4 |
D+
67.3 Score
Melrose, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$930,823
Population
29,357
Crime
Low
Walk Score
62
Northeast
View Melrose, MA →
C
73.3 Score
St. Charles, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$482,151
Population
32,654
Crime
Low
Walk Score
37
Midwest
View St. Charles, IL →
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