Apex, NC vs Carlsbad, CA
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.
Apex
70.6
#1082 nationally
Carlsbad
62.6
#1838 nationally
Apex leads in cost of living index (122 vs 202). Apex leads in average commute (23.9 min vs 28.5 min). Carlsbad leads in walk score (31 vs 26).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Apex, NC | Carlsbad, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.6 (#1082) | 62.6 (#1838) |
| Population | 72,225 | 113,495 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $601,962 | $1,361,646 |
| Median Household Income | $129,688 | $134,139 |
| Average Commute | 23.9 min | 28.5 min |
| Walk Score | 26 | 31 |
| Crime Level | 4.7 | 5.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 122 | 202 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+25.6 | D+16.8 |
C-
70.6 Score
Apex, NC
North Carolina community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$601,962
Population
72,225
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
26
Southeast
View Apex, NC →
D-
62.6 Score
Carlsbad, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,361,646
Population
113,495
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
31
Pacific
View Carlsbad, CA →