Modesto, CA vs Santa Barbara, 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
Santa Barbara
59.8
#1944 nationally
Modesto leads in cost of living index (130 vs 225). Santa Barbara leads in average commute (17.6 min vs 29.4 min). Santa Barbara leads in median household income ($98,346 vs $73,375).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Modesto, CA | Santa Barbara, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.2 (#1712) | 59.8 (#1944) |
| Population | 218,915 | 86,499 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $447,153 | $1,848,325 |
| Median Household Income | $73,375 | $98,346 |
| Average Commute | 29.4 min | 17.6 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 61 |
| Crime Level | 18.0 | 17.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 225 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.0 | D+26.7 |
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 →
F
59.8 Score
Santa Barbara, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,848,325
Population
86,499
Crime
High
Walk Score
61
Pacific
View Santa Barbara, CA →
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