2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Lake Forest, IL vs St. Charles, IL

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in St. Charles older or younger than people in Lake Forest?
- The Median Age in St. Charles is 4.2 years younger than in Lake Forest.

Are housing costs cheaper in St. Charles or Lake Forest?
- St. Charles housing costs are 57.6% less expensive than Lake Forest housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, St. Charles or Lake Forest?
- The average commute for residents of St. Charles is 0.1 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Lake Forest.

Things to do in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest, Illinois is a vibrant city located in Lake County. With its many shops and restaurants, it’s the perfect destination for those seeking an enjoyable night out or a fun day of shopping. For outdoor fans, Lake Forest offers beautiful parks and trails, plus beaches along the shore of Lake Michigan. Families looking to move to the area can rest assured that there are multiple schools with outstanding educational programs. Lake Forest has something to offer everyone — whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a great place to live.

Things to do in St. Charles?
St. Charles IL is situated northwest Chicago and has plenty to offer like Fox River running through the city center offering kayaking & fishing opportunities as well as vintage districts perfect for browsing thrift stores and eating out in quaint cafes.

 Lake Forest, ILSt. Charles, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock32,908329,725,481
 Median Income$194,267  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$898,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time31.2  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Lake Forest    4 Reviews

We relocated cross county to Lake Forest about a year ago due to a job change. We looked at nearby communities, within proximity of the work commute (the office is in  More

   |    Reply

Be prepared for a so called upscale town with entitled, overpaid, snooty people from teenagers who sneer at you to adults who look you up and down, who make demands on a  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

Long cold winters, short cold springs, hot humid summers, nice  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Lake Forest

Reviews for St. Charles    6 Reviews

Over 13 years ago

good  More

   |    Reply

Moving to Saint Charles from Kansas City was quite to sticker shock from a cost of living standpoint. I did do my homework and knew this would be the case, but it  More

   |    Reply

Over 16 years ago

St. Charles, Illinois is a small, trendy river town. It hosts amenities that appeal to everyone. Biking, running, walking, hiking, camping, horseback riding, kayaking,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of St. Charles


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.