Apex, NC vs Monterey, 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
Monterey
62.7
#1834 nationally
Apex leads in crime level (4.7 vs 10.5). Monterey leads in walk score (53 vs 26). Apex leads in cost of living index (122 vs 192).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Apex, NC | Monterey, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.6 (#1082) | 62.7 (#1834) |
| Population | 72,225 | 29,116 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $601,962 | $1,179,065 |
| Median Household Income | $129,688 | $98,003 |
| Average Commute | 23.9 min | 19.1 min |
| Walk Score | 26 | 53 |
| Crime Level | 4.7 | 10.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 122 | 192 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+25.6 | D+29.9 |
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-
62.7 Score
Monterey, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,179,065
Population
29,116
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
53
Pacific
View Monterey, CA →