Apex, NC vs Santa Monica, 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
Santa Monica
59.6
#1949 nationally
Apex leads in crime level (4.7 vs 21.3). Santa Monica leads in walk score (83 vs 26). Apex leads in cost of living index (122 vs 273).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Apex, NC | Santa Monica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.6 (#1082) | 59.6 (#1949) |
| Population | 72,225 | 89,922 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $601,962 | $1,685,560 |
| Median Household Income | $129,688 | $106,797 |
| Average Commute | 23.9 min | 25.3 min |
| Walk Score | 26 | 83 |
| Crime Level | 4.7 | 21.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 122 | 273 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+25.6 | D+32.9 |
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 →
F
59.6 Score
Santa Monica, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,685,560
Population
89,922
Crime
High
Walk Score
83
Pacific
View Santa Monica, CA →
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