Modesto, CA vs Paterson, NJ
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
Paterson
63.6
#1757 nationally
Paterson leads in walk score (76 vs 48). Modesto leads in crime level (18.0 vs 26.8). Modesto leads in median household income ($73,375 vs $52,092).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Modesto, CA | Paterson, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.2 (#1712) | 63.6 (#1757) |
| Population | 218,915 | 156,452 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $447,153 | $542,128 |
| Median Household Income | $73,375 | $52,092 |
| Average Commute | 29.4 min | 23.4 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 76 |
| Crime Level | 18.0 | 26.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 122 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.0 | R+2.9 |
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
63.6 Score
Paterson, NJ
Mid-size New Jersey city with community character
Median Home
$542,128
Population
156,452
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
76
Northeast
View Paterson, NJ →