Hackensack, NJ vs Santa Barbara, 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.
Hackensack
70.1
#1135 nationally
Santa Barbara
59.8
#1944 nationally
Hackensack leads in crime level (6.8 vs 17.8). Hackensack leads in cost of living index (126 vs 225). Santa Barbara leads in average commute (17.6 min vs 29.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Hackensack, NJ | Santa Barbara, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.1 (#1135) | 59.8 (#1944) |
| Population | 45,736 | 86,499 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $473,422 | $1,848,325 |
| Median Household Income | $79,133 | $98,346 |
| Average Commute | 29.1 min | 17.6 min |
| Walk Score | 73 | 61 |
| Crime Level | 6.8 | 17.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 126 | 225 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+3.4 | D+26.7 |
C-
70.1 Score
Hackensack, NJ
Small New Jersey city with local appeal
Median Home
$473,422
Population
45,736
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
73
Northeast
View Hackensack, NJ →
F
59.8 Score
Santa Barbara, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,848,325
Population
86,499
Crime
High
Walk Score
61
Pacific
View Santa Barbara, CA →
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