Monterey, 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.
Monterey
62.7
#1834 nationally
Palm Desert
66
#1595 nationally
Monterey leads in walk score (53 vs 28). Palm Desert leads in cost of living index (136 vs 192). Monterey leads in median household income ($98,003 vs $75,691).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Monterey, CA | Palm Desert, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 62.7 (#1834) | 66 (#1595) |
| Population | 29,116 | 51,951 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,179,065 | $544,379 |
| Median Household Income | $98,003 | $75,691 |
| Average Commute | 19.1 min | 22.4 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 10.5 | 8.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 192 | 136 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+29.9 | R+1.3 |
D-
62.7 Score
Monterey, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,179,065
Population
29,116
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
53
Pacific
View Monterey, 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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