Des Moines, WA vs Encinitas, 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.
Des Moines
64.6
#1684 nationally
Encinitas
63.4
#1769 nationally
Encinitas leads in median household income ($142,506 vs $81,362). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (133 vs 215). Encinitas leads in crime level (5.9 vs 8.1).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, WA | Encinitas, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.6 (#1684) | 63.4 (#1769) |
| Population | 31,988 | 60,841 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $607,792 | $1,932,178 |
| Median Household Income | $81,362 | $142,506 |
| Average Commute | 30.2 min | 24.5 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 43 |
| Crime Level | 8.1 | 5.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 215 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+51.7 | D+16.8 |
D
64.6 Score
Des Moines, WA
Small Washington city with local appeal
Median Home
$607,792
Population
31,988
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
41
Pacific
View Des Moines, WA →
D
63.4 Score
Encinitas, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,932,178
Population
60,841
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
43
Pacific
View Encinitas, CA →
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