Carmel, IN vs San Jose, 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
San Jose
63
#1807 nationally
Carmel leads in cost of living index (108 vs 198). San Jose leads in walk score (51 vs 28). Carmel leads in school rating (9 vs 7.2).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carmel, IN | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.5 (#579) | 63 (#1807) |
| Population | 104,776 | 983,489 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $580,014 | $1,391,204 |
| Median Household Income | $121,400 | $142,891 |
| Average Commute | 23.5 min | 28.4 min |
| Walk Score | 28 | 51 |
| Crime Level | Very Low | Moderate |
| School Rating | 9 | 7.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 198 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+6.1 | D+40.0 |
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
63 Score
San Jose, CA
Capital of Silicon Valley
Median Home
$1,391,204
Population
983,489
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Pacific
View San Jose, CA →