Lafayette, CA vs San Rafael, 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.
Lafayette
62.7
#1832 nationally
San Rafael
58.5
#1954 nationally
Lafayette leads in crime level (2.2 vs 15.3). San Rafael leads in walk score (53 vs 26). Lafayette leads in median household income ($219,250 vs $113,839).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lafayette, CA | San Rafael, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 62.7 (#1832) | 58.5 (#1954) |
| Population | 25,048 | 59,555 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,941,109 | $1,332,023 |
| Median Household Income | $219,250 | $113,839 |
| Average Commute | 29.7 min | 27.5 min |
| Walk Score | 26 | 53 |
| Crime Level | 2.2 | 15.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 280 | 213 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+38.0 | D+63.9 |
D-
62.7 Score
Lafayette, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,941,109
Population
25,048
Crime
Low
Walk Score
26
Pacific
View Lafayette, CA →
F
58.5 Score
San Rafael, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,332,023
Population
59,555
Crime
High
Walk Score
53
Pacific
View San Rafael, CA →
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