Melrose, MA 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.
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
Oakland
62
#1880 nationally
Melrose leads in median household income ($126,305 vs $85,459). Oakland leads in walk score (73 vs 62). Oakland leads in average commute (32.1 min vs 37.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Melrose, MA | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.3 (#1438) | 62 (#1880) |
| Population | 29,357 | 433,823 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $930,823 | $717,798 |
| Median Household Income | $126,305 | $85,459 |
| Average Commute | 37.1 min | 32.1 min |
| Walk Score | 62 | 73 |
| Crime Level | 2.8 | High |
| School Rating | N/A | 4.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 167 | 155 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+39.5 | D+53.6 |
D+
67.3 Score
Melrose, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$930,823
Population
29,357
Crime
Low
Walk Score
62
Northeast
View Melrose, MA →
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 →