Laurel, MD vs Oakland, 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.
Laurel
66.4
#1547 nationally
Oakland
62
#1880 nationally
Oakland leads in walk score (73 vs 53). Laurel leads in cost of living index (125 vs 155). Laurel leads in median household income ($92,035 vs $85,459).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Laurel, MD | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.4 (#1547) | 62 (#1880) |
| Population | 29,400 | 433,823 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $478,130 | $717,798 |
| Median Household Income | $92,035 | $85,459 |
| Average Commute | 33.5 min | 32.1 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 73 |
| Crime Level | 10.8 | High |
| School Rating | N/A | 4.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 155 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.9 | D+53.6 |
D
66.4 Score
Laurel, MD
Small Maryland city with local appeal
Median Home
$478,130
Population
29,400
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
53
Northeast
View Laurel, MD →
D-
62 Score
Oakland, CA
Gritty, diverse, and full of culture
Median Home
$717,798
Population
433,823
Crime
High
Schools
C
Pacific
View Oakland, CA →