Garner, NC vs San Marcos, 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.
Garner
68.5
#1312 nationally
San Marcos
62.2
#1870 nationally
San Marcos leads in crime level (6.1 vs 9.8). Garner leads in cost of living index (106 vs 166). San Marcos leads in walk score (33 vs 23).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Garner, NC | San Marcos, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 68.5 (#1312) | 62.2 (#1870) |
| Population | 35,265 | 94,188 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $385,396 | $953,736 |
| Median Household Income | $77,171 | $99,413 |
| Average Commute | 27.8 min | 26.7 min |
| Walk Score | 23 | 33 |
| Crime Level | 9.8 | 6.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 106 | 166 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+25.6 | D+16.8 |
D+
68.5 Score
Garner, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$385,396
Population
35,265
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
23
Southeast
View Garner, NC →
D-
62.2 Score
San Marcos, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$953,736
Population
94,188
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
33
Pacific
View San Marcos, CA →