Modesto, CA vs Salem, VA
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
Salem
73.2
#778 nationally
Salem leads in crime level (7.2 vs 18.0). Modesto leads in walk score (48 vs 27). Salem leads in average commute (18.8 min vs 29.4 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Modesto, CA | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.2 (#1712) | 73.2 (#778) |
| Population | 218,915 | 25,600 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $447,153 | $312,662 |
| Median Household Income | $73,375 | $68,402 |
| Average Commute | 29.4 min | 18.8 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 27 |
| Crime Level | 18.0 | 7.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.0 | R+19.3 |
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 →
C
73.2 Score
Salem, VA
Small Virginia city with local appeal
Median Home
$312,662
Population
25,600
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
27
Northeast
View Salem, VA →