Phoenix, AZ vs Wheaton, 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.
Phoenix
66.7
#1514 nationally
Wheaton
75.2
#497 nationally
Wheaton leads in median household income ($113,523 vs $65,891). Phoenix leads in cost of living index (106 vs 126). Phoenix leads in walk score (41 vs 40).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Wheaton, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.7 (#1514) | 75.2 (#497) |
| Population | 1,650,070 | 52,938 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $408,770 | $518,505 |
| Median Household Income | $65,891 | $113,523 |
| Average Commute | 26.7 min | 26.5 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 40 |
| Crime Level | Moderate-High | 1.4 |
| School Rating | 5.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 106 | 126 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+3.5 | D+13.3 |
D
66.7 Score
Phoenix, AZ
Valley of the Sun with explosive growth
Median Home
$408,770
Population
1,650,070
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
C+
Southwest
View Phoenix, AZ →
C
75.2 Score
Wheaton, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$518,505
Population
52,938
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
40
Midwest
View Wheaton, IL →