Bell, CA vs San Marcos, TX
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.
Bell
60.8
#1919 nationally
San Marcos
70.5
#1100 nationally
Bell leads in walk score (77 vs 39). San Marcos leads in crime level (9.8 vs 16.0). San Marcos leads in cost of living index (100 vs 142).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bell, CA | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 60.8 (#1919) | 70.5 (#1100) |
| Population | 31,864 | 71,569 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $695,526 | $310,480 |
| Median Household Income | $56,685 | $47,394 |
| Average Commute | 32.2 min | 23.7 min |
| Walk Score | 77 | 39 |
| Crime Level | 16.0 | 9.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 142 | 100 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+5.6 |
D-
60.8 Score
Bell, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$695,526
Population
31,864
Crime
High
Walk Score
77
Pacific
View Bell, CA →
C-
70.5 Score
San Marcos, TX
Texas community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$310,480
Population
71,569
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
39
Southwest
View San Marcos, TX →