Lancaster, 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.
Lancaster
61.5
#1905 nationally
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
Melrose leads in crime level (2.8 vs 22.9). Melrose leads in walk score (62 vs 29). Melrose leads in median household income ($126,305 vs $71,367).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lancaster, CA | Melrose, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.5 (#1905) | 67.3 (#1438) |
| Population | 166,236 | 29,357 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $465,459 | $930,823 |
| Median Household Income | $71,367 | $126,305 |
| Average Commute | 30.9 min | 37.1 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | 62 |
| Crime Level | 22.9 | 2.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 126 | 167 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+39.5 |
D-
61.5 Score
Lancaster, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$465,459
Population
166,236
Crime
High
Walk Score
29
Pacific
View Lancaster, 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 →