Lancaster, CA vs Salinas, 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.
Lancaster
61.5
#1905 nationally
Salinas
63.5
#1766 nationally
Salinas leads in walk score (55 vs 29). Salinas leads in crime level (14.4 vs 22.9). Salinas leads in average commute (25.9 min vs 30.9 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lancaster, CA | Salinas, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.5 (#1905) | 63.5 (#1766) |
| Population | 166,236 | 159,506 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $465,459 | $753,868 |
| Median Household Income | $71,367 | $84,250 |
| Average Commute | 30.9 min | 25.9 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | 55 |
| Crime Level | 22.9 | 14.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 126 | 149 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+29.9 |
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
63.5 Score
Salinas, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$753,868
Population
159,506
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
55
Pacific
View Salinas, CA →