Carmel, IN vs Oakland, 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
Oakland
62
#1880 nationally
Oakland leads in walk score (73 vs 28). Carmel leads in school rating (9 vs 4.8). Carmel leads in cost of living index (108 vs 155).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carmel, IN | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.5 (#579) | 62 (#1880) |
| Population | 104,776 | 433,823 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $580,014 | $717,798 |
| Median Household Income | $121,400 | $85,459 |
| Average Commute | 23.5 min | 32.1 min |
| Walk Score | 28 | 73 |
| Crime Level | Very Low | High |
| School Rating | 9 | 4.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 155 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+6.1 | D+53.6 |
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-
62 Score
Oakland, CA
Gritty, diverse, and full of culture
Median Home
$717,798
Population
433,823
Crime
High
Schools
C
Pacific
View Oakland, CA →