Monterey, 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.
Monterey
62.7
#1834 nationally
Salinas
63.5
#1766 nationally
Monterey leads in crime level (10.5 vs 14.4). Monterey leads in average commute (19.1 min vs 25.9 min). Salinas leads in cost of living index (149 vs 192).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Monterey, CA | Salinas, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 62.7 (#1834) | 63.5 (#1766) |
| Population | 29,116 | 159,506 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,179,065 | $753,868 |
| Median Household Income | $98,003 | $84,250 |
| Average Commute | 19.1 min | 25.9 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 55 |
| Crime Level | 10.5 | 14.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 192 | 149 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+29.9 | D+29.9 |
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
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 →