Montclair, CA 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.
Montclair
60.8
#1923 nationally
Salinas
63.5
#1766 nationally
Salinas leads in crime level (14.4 vs 17.6). Salinas leads in average commute (25.9 min vs 31.3 min). Salinas leads in median household income ($84,250 vs $72,789).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Montclair, CA | Salinas, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 60.8 (#1923) | 63.5 (#1766) |
| Population | 37,545 | 159,506 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $661,144 | $753,868 |
| Median Household Income | $72,789 | $84,250 |
| Average Commute | 31.3 min | 25.9 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 55 |
| Crime Level | 17.6 | 14.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 139 | 149 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+2.1 | D+29.9 |
D-
60.8 Score
Montclair, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$661,144
Population
37,545
Crime
High
Walk Score
57
Pacific
View Montclair, CA →
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 →