Columbus, IN vs Monterey, 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.
Columbus
81.7
#37 nationally
Monterey
62.7
#1834 nationally
Columbus leads in crime level (0.4 vs 10.5). Columbus leads in cost of living index (96 vs 192). Monterey leads in walk score (53 vs 29).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Monterey, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 81.7 (#37) | 62.7 (#1834) |
| Population | 51,522 | 29,116 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $281,533 | $1,179,065 |
| Median Household Income | $75,114 | $98,003 |
| Average Commute | 18.1 min | 19.1 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | 53 |
| Crime Level | 0.4 | 10.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 192 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+27.3 | D+29.9 |
B-
81.7 Score
Columbus, IN
Indiana community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$281,533
Population
51,522
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
29
Midwest
View Columbus, IN →
D-
62.7 Score
Monterey, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,179,065
Population
29,116
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
53
Pacific
View Monterey, CA →