Modesto, CA vs Palm Desert, 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.
Modesto
64.2
#1712 nationally
Palm Desert
66
#1595 nationally
Palm Desert leads in crime level (8.9 vs 18.0). Modesto leads in walk score (48 vs 28). Palm Desert leads in average commute (22.4 min vs 29.4 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Modesto, CA | Palm Desert, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.2 (#1712) | 66 (#1595) |
| Population | 218,915 | 51,951 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $447,153 | $544,379 |
| Median Household Income | $73,375 | $75,691 |
| Average Commute | 29.4 min | 22.4 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 18.0 | 8.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 136 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.0 | R+1.3 |
D
64.2 Score
Modesto, CA
Growing California city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$447,153
Population
218,915
Crime
High
Walk Score
48
Pacific
View Modesto, CA →
D
66 Score
Palm Desert, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$544,379
Population
51,951
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
28
Pacific
View Palm Desert, CA →
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