Carmel, IN vs Carson, 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.
Carmel
74.5
#579 nationally
Carson
63.8
#1737 nationally
Carson leads in walk score (55 vs 28). Carmel leads in cost of living index (108 vs 154). Carmel leads in median household income ($121,400 vs $103,045).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carmel, IN | Carson, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.5 (#579) | 63.8 (#1737) |
| Population | 104,776 | 91,139 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $580,014 | $796,912 |
| Median Household Income | $121,400 | $103,045 |
| Average Commute | 23.5 min | 27.6 min |
| Walk Score | 28 | 55 |
| Crime Level | Very Low | 11.5 |
| School Rating | 9 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 154 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+6.1 | D+32.9 |
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 →
D
63.8 Score
Carson, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$796,912
Population
91,139
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
55
Pacific
View Carson, CA →