Carmel, IN vs Orinda, 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
Orinda
60
#1942 nationally
Carmel leads in walk score (28 vs 9). Carmel leads in cost of living index (108 vs 275). Orinda leads in median household income ($250,001 vs $121,400).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carmel, IN | Orinda, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.5 (#579) | 60 (#1942) |
| Population | 104,776 | 19,364 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $580,014 | $1,987,799 |
| Median Household Income | $121,400 | $250,001 |
| Average Commute | 23.5 min | 35.6 min |
| Walk Score | 28 | 9 |
| Crime Level | Very Low | 1.6 |
| School Rating | 9 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 275 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+6.1 | D+38.0 |
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-
60 Score
Orinda, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,987,799
Population
19,364
Crime
Low
Walk Score
9
Pacific
View Orinda, CA →