Des Moines, WA 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.
Des Moines
64.6
#1684 nationally
Salinas
63.5
#1766 nationally
Des Moines leads in crime level (8.1 vs 14.4). Salinas leads in walk score (55 vs 41). Salinas leads in average commute (25.9 min vs 30.2 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, WA | Salinas, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.6 (#1684) | 63.5 (#1766) |
| Population | 31,988 | 159,506 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $607,792 | $753,868 |
| Median Household Income | $81,362 | $84,250 |
| Average Commute | 30.2 min | 25.9 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 55 |
| Crime Level | 8.1 | 14.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 149 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+51.7 | D+29.9 |
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
63.5 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 →