Brea, CA vs Carmel, IN
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.
Brea
64.3
#1700 nationally
Carmel
74.5
#579 nationally
Brea leads in walk score (50 vs 28). Carmel leads in cost of living index (108 vs 178). Carmel leads in average commute (23.5 min vs 31.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Brea, CA | Carmel, IN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1700) | 74.5 (#579) |
| Population | 48,479 | 104,776 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,134,146 | $580,014 |
| Median Household Income | $120,226 | $121,400 |
| Average Commute | 31.1 min | 23.5 min |
| Walk Score | 50 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 5.8 | Very Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 9 |
| Cost of Living Index | 178 | 108 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+2.6 | R+6.1 |
D
64.3 Score
Brea, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,134,146
Population
48,479
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
50
Pacific
View Brea, CA →
C
74.5 Score
Carmel, IN
Award-winning city planning meets Midwestern charm
Median Home
$580,014
Population
104,776
Crime
Very Low
Schools
A
Midwest
View Carmel, IN →