Carlsbad, CA vs Salem, VA
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
Salem
73.2
#778 nationally
Carlsbad leads in median household income ($134,139 vs $68,402). Salem leads in cost of living index (105 vs 202). Salem leads in average commute (18.8 min vs 28.5 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carlsbad, CA | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 62.6 (#1838) | 73.2 (#778) |
| Population | 113,495 | 25,600 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,361,646 | $312,662 |
| Median Household Income | $134,139 | $68,402 |
| Average Commute | 28.5 min | 18.8 min |
| Walk Score | 31 | 27 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 7.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 202 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+16.8 | R+19.3 |
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 →
C
73.2 Score
Salem, VA
Small Virginia city with local appeal
Median Home
$312,662
Population
25,600
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
27
Northeast
View Salem, VA →