Monterey, CA vs Salem, MA
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
Salem
68.6
#1307 nationally
Salem leads in crime level (4.2 vs 10.5). Monterey leads in average commute (19.1 min vs 30.6 min). Salem leads in cost of living index (135 vs 192).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Monterey, CA | Salem, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 62.7 (#1834) | 68.6 (#1307) |
| Population | 29,116 | 44,744 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,179,065 | $614,321 |
| Median Household Income | $98,003 | $79,196 |
| Average Commute | 19.1 min | 30.6 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 70 |
| Crime Level | 10.5 | 4.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 192 | 135 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+29.9 | D+20.3 |
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+
68.6 Score
Salem, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$614,321
Population
44,744
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
70
Northeast
View Salem, MA →