Durham, NC vs Poway, 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.
Durham
69.4
#1213 nationally
Poway
66.1
#1587 nationally
Poway leads in median household income ($135,605 vs $67,432). Durham leads in cost of living index (102 vs 179). Durham leads in average commute (22.8 min vs 25.6 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Durham, NC | Poway, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 69.4 (#1213) | 66.1 (#1587) |
| Population | 283,506 | 48,051 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $395,976 | $1,225,939 |
| Median Household Income | $67,432 | $135,605 |
| Average Commute | 22.8 min | 25.6 min |
| Walk Score | 33 | 30 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 3.7 |
| School Rating | 6.4 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 179 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+61.9 | D+16.8 |
D+
69.4 Score
Durham, NC
Bull City innovation and inclusion
Median Home
$395,976
Population
283,506
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B-
Southeast
View Durham, NC →
D
66.1 Score
Poway, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,225,939
Population
48,051
Crime
Low
Walk Score
30
Pacific
View Poway, CA →