Bakersfield, CA vs Melrose, MA
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.
Bakersfield
66.5
#1531 nationally
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
Melrose leads in crime level (2.8 vs 15.2). Melrose leads in median household income ($126,305 vs $73,827). Melrose leads in walk score (62 vs 37).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | Melrose, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.5 (#1531) | 67.3 (#1438) |
| Population | 413,381 | 29,357 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $391,030 | $930,823 |
| Median Household Income | $73,827 | $126,305 |
| Average Commute | 23.6 min | 37.1 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 62 |
| Crime Level | 15.2 | 2.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 123 | 167 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+21.1 | D+39.5 |
D
66.5 Score
Bakersfield, CA
Growing California city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$391,030
Population
413,381
Crime
High
Walk Score
37
Pacific
View Bakersfield, CA →
D+
67.3 Score
Melrose, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$930,823
Population
29,357
Crime
Low
Walk Score
62
Northeast
View Melrose, MA →