Evanston vs Los Angeles

Category / Metric	Evanston	Los Angeles
Financial Overview
Median Income	$97,085	$79,701
Unemployment Rate	4.4%	5.5%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$420,000	$1,002,500
Price per SqFt	$305	$616
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,231	$2,006
Housing Cost Index	110.7	173.0
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	103.3	107.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	425.6	732.5
Bachelor's Degree+	—	39.2%
Air Quality (AQI)	33	52

Los Angeles vs. Evanston: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing between Los Angeles and Evanston isn't just picking a zip code; it's picking a life. One is a sprawling, sun-drenched global metropolis where dreamers chase the spotlight. The other is a historic, lakeside university town where life moves at a more deliberate, intellectual pace. It's like comparing a high-octane sports car to a reliable, luxury sedan—both get you there, but the ride is entirely different.

Let’s cut through the noise. I’ve crunched the numbers, lived the lifestyles, and I’m here to give you the straight talk on where you should plant your roots. Whether you’re chasing Hollywood dreams, raising a family, or seeking a quieter chapter, this showdown will help you decide if your future is in the City of Angels or the City of Big Ten Football.

The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back College Town

Los Angeles is a beast of a city. With a population of 3.8 million, it’s a dense, diverse, and relentless machine. The vibe here is "hustle." It’s industry, ambition, and a constant buzz of energy. You’ll find world-class museums, a food scene that spans the globe, and a lifestyle that revolves around the outdoors—beaches, hikes, and year-round al fresco dining. It’s for the dreamers, the artists, the entrepreneurs, and anyone who thrives on the edge of possibility. But be warned: it’s also a city of stark contrasts, where luxury and struggle often exist side-by-side.

Evanston, with its modest population of 75,000, is a sanctuary. It’s a quintessential college town, home to Northwestern University, which infuses the area with a youthful, intellectual energy. The vibe is "community." Life here is walkable, historic, and deeply connected to Lake Michigan. You’ll find cozy bookstores, independent cafes, and a strong sense of local pride. It’s for academics, families, and those who want the amenities of a city (thanks to its proximity to Chicago) without the overwhelming scale. It’s a place where you know your neighbor and the seasons are a celebrated part of life.

Verdict: If you crave anonymity and endless options, choose Los Angeles. If you value community and a slower, more intellectual pace, Evanston is your spot.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Fatter?

Let’s talk money. Sticker shock is a real thing, and your purchasing power will vary wildly between these two cities.

Here’s a direct comparison of key costs:

Category	Los Angeles	Evanston	Winner
Median Income	$79,701	$97,085	Evanston
Median Home Price	$1,002,500	$420,000	Evanston
Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$1,231	Evanston
Housing Index	173.0	110.7	Evanston
Violent Crime (per 100k)	732.5	425.6	Evanston

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
At first glance, Evanston looks like a financial no-brainer. The median income is $17,384 higher, while the median home price is over $580,000 less. That’s a massive gap. Let’s say you earn $100,000. In Evanston, you’re above the median income, and your housing costs are a manageable portion of your budget. In Los Angeles, $100,000 is just slightly above the median, and you’ll feel the squeeze immediately.

The Tax Twist:
Here’s where it gets interesting. California has a progressive income tax system. On a $100,000 salary, you’d pay roughly $6,000-$7,000 in state income tax. Illinois has a flat tax rate of 4.95%, so you’d pay about $4,950. So, Evanston wins on taxes, too. This means your $100,000 salary goes significantly further in Evanston than in LA. You can afford a nicer home, save more, and live comfortably. In LA, that same salary puts you in the middle of the pack, fighting for every square foot of housing.

Verdict: For pure bang for your buck, Evanston wins decisively. Your money simply stretches further, offering a higher quality of life for the same paycheck.

The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?

Los Angeles: The housing market is a seller’s paradise and a buyer’s nightmare. With a median home price of $1,002,500, you’re looking at a down payment of over $200,000 just to get in the door. Competition is fierce, and bidding wars are common. Renting is the default for many, but even the rental market is cutthroat. Availability is low, and prices are high. If you’re not prepared for a long-term financial commitment, buying in LA is a daunting prospect.

Evanston: The market is more balanced, leaning toward a seller’s market but with far more accessibility. A median home price of $420,000 is a game-changer. A 20% down payment is $84,000—a tall order, but not an insurmountable mountain like in LA. The rental market is also healthier, with more options and lower prices. For a young professional or a family looking to buy their first home, Evanston presents a tangible, achievable path to homeownership.

Verdict: Evanston is the clear winner for aspiring homeowners. The entry barrier is dramatically lower, and the market is less cutthroat.

The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety

Traffic/Commute:
Los Angeles is legendary for its traffic. The average commute can easily be 45-60 minutes each way, and a simple trip across town can turn into a multi-hour ordeal. Public transit exists but is often slower than driving. Evanston’s commute is a different beast. It’s a 15-30 minute train ride to downtown Chicago, making it a prime commuter suburb. Within Evanston itself, traffic is minimal, and the town is highly walkable and bikeable. For daily quality of life, Evanston’s commute is far less soul-crushing.

Weather:
This is a major lifestyle divider. Los Angeles boasts a Mediterranean climate with an average temperature of 54°F—but that’s a misleading average. In reality, it’s often 70-90°F and sunny, with virtually no snow. You can enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Evanston, with an average of 20°F, is a creature of seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (Lake Michigan effect), summers are warm and humid, and spring/fall are beautiful but fleeting. If you hate winter, LA is your only choice. If you love distinct seasons, Evanston delivers.

Crime/Safety:
The data is stark. Los Angeles has a violent crime rate of 732.5 per 100,000 people. Evanston’s rate is 425.6 per 100,000. While both cities have safe neighborhoods and areas to avoid, the statistical reality is that Evanston is significantly safer. This is a huge factor for families and anyone who values personal security.

Verdict: Evanston wins on commute and safety. Los Angeles wins on weather (if you hate snow).

The Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which City?

After weighing the data and the lifestyle factors, here’s the bottom-line breakdown:

• Winner for Families: Evanston. The combination of excellent public schools (many tied to Northwestern), lower crime rates, a strong community feel, and the ability to afford a larger home makes it a superior environment for raising children.
• Winner for Singles/Young Pros: It depends. For the ambitious career climber in entertainment, tech, or the arts, Los Angeles offers unparalleled opportunities and a vibrant social scene. For the professional in academia, law, or healthcare who values work-life balance, affordability, and proximity to a major city (Chicago), Evanston is the smarter, more sustainable choice.
• Winner for Retirees: Evanston. For retirees not dependent on a specific industry, Evanston offers a safer, more walkable, and affordable environment with top-tier medical facilities (thanks to Northwestern). The cultural amenities and lakefront lifestyle are a perfect fit for a relaxed retirement.

Los Angeles: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Unmatched career opportunities in specific industries (entertainment, tech).
• World-class dining, arts, and cultural scene.
• Perfect, sunny weather year-round.
• Incredible geographic diversity (beaches, mountains, deserts).

Cons:

• Astronomical cost of living and housing prices.
• Brutal traffic and long commutes.
• High state income tax and overall expenses.
• Higher crime rates and urban challenges.

Evanston: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Significantly more affordable housing and overall cost of living.
• Safe, family-friendly community with excellent schools.
• Easy, stress-free commute to downtown Chicago.
• Walkable, historic charm with a vibrant college-town energy.

Cons:

• Harsh, snowy winters.
• Smaller scale with fewer nightlife/entertainment options.
• Less diversity of industry (heavily tied to the university).
• Humid summers.

In the end, the choice is about what you value most. Los Angeles is for those who prioritize career ambition and weather above all else, and are willing to pay a premium for it. Evanston is for those who prioritize community, safety, and financial sanity, and are okay with trading sun for seasons. Choose wisely.