Carmel, IN vs Pacifica, 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
Pacifica
64.7
#1680 nationally
Carmel leads in cost of living index (108 vs 211). Pacifica leads in walk score (45 vs 28). Pacifica leads in median household income ($151,849 vs $121,400).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carmel, IN | Pacifica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.5 (#579) | 64.7 (#1680) |
| Population | 104,776 | 36,426 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $580,014 | $1,276,738 |
| Median Household Income | $121,400 | $151,849 |
| Average Commute | 23.5 min | 29 min |
| Walk Score | 28 | 45 |
| Crime Level | Very Low | 4.0 |
| School Rating | 9 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 211 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+6.1 | D+50.3 |
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
64.7 Score
Pacifica, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,276,738
Population
36,426
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
45
Pacific
View Pacifica, CA →