Monterey, CA vs Phoenix, AZ
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
Phoenix
66.7
#1514 nationally
Phoenix leads in cost of living index (106 vs 192). Monterey leads in median household income ($98,003 vs $65,891). Monterey leads in average commute (19.1 min vs 26.7 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Monterey, CA | Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 62.7 (#1834) | 66.7 (#1514) |
| Population | 29,116 | 1,650,070 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,179,065 | $408,770 |
| Median Household Income | $98,003 | $65,891 |
| Average Commute | 19.1 min | 26.7 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 41 |
| Crime Level | 10.5 | Moderate-High |
| School Rating | N/A | 5.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 192 | 106 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+29.9 | R+3.5 |
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
66.7 Score
Phoenix, AZ
Valley of the Sun with explosive growth
Median Home
$408,770
Population
1,650,070
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
C+
Southwest
View Phoenix, AZ →