Laurel, MD 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.
Laurel
66.4
#1547 nationally
San Marcos
62.2
#1870 nationally
San Marcos leads in crime level (6.1 vs 10.8). Laurel leads in walk score (53 vs 33). Laurel leads in cost of living index (125 vs 166).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Laurel, MD | San Marcos, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.4 (#1547) | 62.2 (#1870) |
| Population | 29,400 | 94,188 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $478,130 | $953,736 |
| Median Household Income | $92,035 | $99,413 |
| Average Commute | 33.5 min | 26.7 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 33 |
| Crime Level | 10.8 | 6.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 166 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.9 | D+16.8 |
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-
62.2 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 →