Linden, NJ 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.
Linden
67.6
#1401 nationally
Salinas
63.5
#1766 nationally
Linden leads in crime level (7.2 vs 14.4). Salinas leads in average commute (25.9 min vs 31.4 min). Linden leads in cost of living index (125 vs 149).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Linden, NJ | Salinas, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.6 (#1401) | 63.5 (#1766) |
| Population | 43,950 | 159,506 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $553,705 | $753,868 |
| Median Household Income | $86,801 | $84,250 |
| Average Commute | 31.4 min | 25.9 min |
| Walk Score | 63 | 55 |
| Crime Level | 7.2 | 14.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 149 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+24.2 | D+29.9 |
D+
67.6 Score
Linden, NJ
Small New Jersey city with local appeal
Median Home
$553,705
Population
43,950
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
63
Northeast
View Linden, NJ →
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 →