Carlsbad, CA vs Petaluma, 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.
Carlsbad
62.6
#1838 nationally
Petaluma
63.2
#1792 nationally
Petaluma leads in walk score (47 vs 31). Carlsbad leads in crime level (5.5 vs 7.4). Carlsbad leads in median household income ($134,139 vs $108,527).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carlsbad, CA | Petaluma, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 62.6 (#1838) | 63.2 (#1792) |
| Population | 113,495 | 58,800 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,361,646 | $903,171 |
| Median Household Income | $134,139 | $108,527 |
| Average Commute | 28.5 min | 30.5 min |
| Walk Score | 31 | 47 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 7.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 202 | 178 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+16.8 | D+46.2 |
D-
62.6 Score
Carlsbad, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,361,646
Population
113,495
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
31
Pacific
View Carlsbad, CA →
D
63.2 Score
Petaluma, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$903,171
Population
58,800
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
47
Pacific
View Petaluma, CA →