Bethlehem, PA vs Lafayette, 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
Lafayette
62.7
#1832 nationally
Lafayette leads in median household income ($219,250 vs $62,072). Bethlehem leads in cost of living index (99 vs 280). Lafayette leads in crime level (2.2 vs 5.6).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bethlehem, PA | Lafayette, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.1 (#632) | 62.7 (#1832) |
| Population | 78,300 | 25,048 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $364,711 | $1,941,109 |
| Median Household Income | $62,072 | $219,250 |
| Average Commute | 22.6 min | 29.7 min |
| Walk Score | 59 | 26 |
| Crime Level | 5.6 | 2.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 99 | 280 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+2.7 | D+38.0 |
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-
62.7 Score
Lafayette, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,941,109
Population
25,048
Crime
Low
Walk Score
26
Pacific
View Lafayette, CA →
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