Ithaca, NY vs Santa Monica, 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.
Santa Monica
59.6
#1949 nationally
Ithaca leads in crime level (5.4 vs 21.3). Santa Monica leads in median household income ($106,797 vs $45,468). Ithaca leads in cost of living index (117 vs 273).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ithaca, NY | Santa Monica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 32,724 | 89,922 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $1,685,560 |
| Median Household Income | $45,468 | $106,797 |
| Average Commute | 18.4 min | 25.3 min |
| Walk Score | 72 | 83 |
| Crime Level | 5.4 | 21.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 117 | 273 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+50.6 | D+32.9 |
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Score
Ithaca, NY
Small New York city with local appeal
Population
32,724
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
72
Median Income
$45,468
Northeast
View Ithaca, NY →
F
59.6 Score
Santa Monica, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,685,560
Population
89,922
Crime
High
Walk Score
83
Pacific
View Santa Monica, CA →
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