Carmel, IN vs Santa Clara, 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
Santa Clara
65.7
#1617 nationally
Carmel leads in cost of living index (108 vs 241). Santa Clara leads in walk score (58 vs 28). Santa Clara leads in median household income ($165,352 vs $121,400).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carmel, IN | Santa Clara, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.5 (#579) | 65.7 (#1617) |
| Population | 104,776 | 131,062 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $580,014 | $1,680,833 |
| Median Household Income | $121,400 | $165,352 |
| Average Commute | 23.5 min | 23.6 min |
| Walk Score | 28 | 58 |
| Crime Level | Very Low | 5.0 |
| School Rating | 9 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 241 |
| 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
65.7 Score
Santa Clara, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,680,833
Population
131,062
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
58
Pacific
View Santa Clara, CA →
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