Kearny, NJ vs La Mesa, 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.
Kearny
67.4
#1427 nationally
La Mesa
62.8
#1822 nationally
Kearny leads in crime level (6.7 vs 11.4). La Mesa leads in average commute (25.6 min vs 32.3 min). Kearny leads in walk score (74 vs 60).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Kearny, NJ | La Mesa, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.4 (#1427) | 62.8 (#1822) |
| Population | 39,370 | 60,537 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $585,157 | $896,209 |
| Median Household Income | $81,307 | $83,649 |
| Average Commute | 32.3 min | 25.6 min |
| Walk Score | 74 | 60 |
| Crime Level | 6.7 | 11.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 131 | 160 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+28.1 | D+16.8 |
D+
67.4 Score
Kearny, NJ
Small New Jersey city with local appeal
Median Home
$585,157
Population
39,370
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
74
Northeast
View Kearny, NJ →
D-
62.8 Score
La Mesa, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$896,209
Population
60,537
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
60
Pacific
View La Mesa, CA →