Carteret, NJ vs Salinas, 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.
Carteret
66
#1591 nationally
Salinas
63.5
#1766 nationally
Carteret leads in crime level (8.6 vs 14.4). Salinas leads in average commute (25.9 min vs 32 min). Carteret leads in cost of living index (125 vs 149).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carteret, NJ | Salinas, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66 (#1591) | 63.5 (#1766) |
| Population | 25,281 | 159,506 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $567,711 | $753,868 |
| Median Household Income | $79,049 | $84,250 |
| Average Commute | 32 min | 25.9 min |
| Walk Score | 56 | 55 |
| Crime Level | 8.6 | 14.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 149 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+8.0 | D+29.9 |
D
66 Score
Carteret, NJ
Small New Jersey city with local appeal
Median Home
$567,711
Population
25,281
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
56
Northeast
View Carteret, NJ →
D
63.5 Score
Salinas, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$753,868
Population
159,506
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
55
Pacific
View Salinas, CA →