La Quinta, CA 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.
La Quinta
64.8
#1673 nationally
San Marcos
62.2
#1870 nationally
San Marcos leads in walk score (33 vs 22). La Quinta leads in crime level (4.9 vs 6.1). La Quinta leads in cost of living index (139 vs 166).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | La Quinta, CA | San Marcos, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.8 (#1673) | 62.2 (#1870) |
| Population | 39,081 | 94,188 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $741,874 | $953,736 |
| Median Household Income | $92,776 | $99,413 |
| Average Commute | 26.5 min | 26.7 min |
| Walk Score | 22 | 33 |
| Crime Level | 4.9 | 6.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 139 | 166 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+16.8 |
D
64.8 Score
La Quinta, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$741,874
Population
39,081
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
22
Pacific
View La Quinta, CA →
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 →
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