Encinitas, CA vs Santa Maria, 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.
Encinitas
63.4
#1769 nationally
Santa Maria
63.3
#1783 nationally
Encinitas leads in crime level (5.9 vs 18.1). Encinitas leads in median household income ($142,506 vs $81,237). Santa Maria leads in cost of living index (138 vs 215).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Encinitas, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.4 (#1769) | 63.3 (#1783) |
| Population | 60,841 | 109,987 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,932,178 | $668,983 |
| Median Household Income | $142,506 | $81,237 |
| Average Commute | 24.5 min | 22.1 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 52 |
| Crime Level | 5.9 | 18.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 215 | 138 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+16.8 | D+26.7 |
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 →
D
63.3 Score
Santa Maria, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$668,983
Population
109,987
Crime
High
Walk Score
52
Pacific
View Santa Maria, CA →
Try a different matchup
Swap Encinitas for: