Clifton, NJ vs Goleta, 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.
Clifton
69.5
#1194 nationally
Goleta
65.8
#1608 nationally
Goleta leads in average commute (18 min vs 28.6 min). Clifton leads in cost of living index (133 vs 192). Clifton leads in walk score (62 vs 44).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Clifton, NJ | Goleta, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 69.5 (#1194) | 65.8 (#1608) |
| Population | 88,461 | 32,665 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $618,464 | $1,364,943 |
| Median Household Income | $94,179 | $113,889 |
| Average Commute | 28.6 min | 18 min |
| Walk Score | 62 | 44 |
| Crime Level | 4.5 | 5.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 192 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+2.9 | D+26.7 |
D+
69.5 Score
Clifton, NJ
New Jersey community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$618,464
Population
88,461
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
62
Northeast
View Clifton, NJ →
D
65.8 Score
Goleta, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,364,943
Population
32,665
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
44
Pacific
View Goleta, CA →