Irvine, CA vs Melrose, MA
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.
Irvine
67.2
#1452 nationally
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
Irvine leads in average commute (25.8 min vs 37.1 min). Melrose leads in walk score (62 vs 44). Melrose leads in median household income ($126,305 vs $116,519).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Irvine, CA | Melrose, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.2 (#1452) | 67.3 (#1438) |
| Population | 307,670 | 29,357 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,517,431 | $930,823 |
| Median Household Income | $116,519 | $126,305 |
| Average Commute | 25.8 min | 37.1 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 62 |
| Crime Level | Very Low | 2.8 |
| School Rating | 9.5 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 178 | 167 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+2.6 | D+39.5 |
D+
67.2 Score
Irvine, CA
Master-planned perfection in Southern California
Median Home
$1,517,431
Population
307,670
Crime
Very Low
Schools
A+
Pacific
View Irvine, CA →
D+
67.3 Score
Melrose, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$930,823
Population
29,357
Crime
Low
Walk Score
62
Northeast
View Melrose, MA →