Bethlehem, PA vs La Mesa, 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.
Bethlehem
74.1
#632 nationally
La Mesa
62.8
#1822 nationally
Bethlehem leads in crime level (5.6 vs 11.4). Bethlehem leads in cost of living index (99 vs 160). La Mesa leads in median household income ($83,649 vs $62,072).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bethlehem, PA | La Mesa, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.1 (#632) | 62.8 (#1822) |
| Population | 78,300 | 60,537 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $364,711 | $896,209 |
| Median Household Income | $62,072 | $83,649 |
| Average Commute | 22.6 min | 25.6 min |
| Walk Score | 59 | 60 |
| Crime Level | 5.6 | 11.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 99 | 160 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+2.7 | D+16.8 |
C
74.1 Score
Bethlehem, PA
Pennsylvania community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$364,711
Population
78,300
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
59
Northeast
View Bethlehem, PA →
D-
62.8 Score
La Mesa, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$896,209
Population
60,537
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
60
Pacific
View La Mesa, CA →