Matthews, NC vs Orange, 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.
Matthews
68.7
#1294 nationally
Orange
63.3
#1780 nationally
Orange leads in walk score (51 vs 16). Matthews leads in cost of living index (116 vs 178). Matthews leads in crime level (5.1 vs 6.2).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Matthews, NC | Orange, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 68.7 (#1294) | 63.3 (#1780) |
| Population | 30,934 | 138,337 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $514,763 | $1,136,729 |
| Median Household Income | $103,405 | $109,335 |
| Average Commute | 26.9 min | 26.5 min |
| Walk Score | 16 | 51 |
| Crime Level | 5.1 | 6.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 116 | 178 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+2.6 |
D+
68.7 Score
Matthews, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$514,763
Population
30,934
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
16
Southeast
View Matthews, NC →
D
63.3 Score
Orange, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,136,729
Population
138,337
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
51
Pacific
View Orange, CA →