Mesquite, TX 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.
Mesquite
71.8
#958 nationally
Salinas
63.5
#1766 nationally
Salinas leads in walk score (55 vs 35). Mesquite leads in cost of living index (98 vs 149). Salinas leads in average commute (25.9 min vs 32.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Mesquite, TX | Salinas, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 71.8 (#958) | 63.5 (#1766) |
| Population | 147,317 | 159,506 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $261,109 | $753,868 |
| Median Household Income | $69,649 | $84,250 |
| Average Commute | 32.1 min | 25.9 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 55 |
| Crime Level | 13.7 | 14.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 98 | 149 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+22.2 | D+29.9 |
C-
71.8 Score
Mesquite, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$261,109
Population
147,317
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
35
Southwest
View Mesquite, TX →
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 →