Monterey, CA vs Waltham, 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
Waltham
66.7
#1517 nationally
Waltham leads in crime level (6.9 vs 10.5). Monterey leads in average commute (19.1 min vs 24.6 min). Waltham leads in cost of living index (164 vs 192).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Monterey, CA | Waltham, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 62.7 (#1834) | 66.7 (#1517) |
| Population | 29,116 | 64,477 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,179,065 | $831,292 |
| Median Household Income | $98,003 | $113,443 |
| Average Commute | 19.1 min | 24.6 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 57 |
| Crime Level | 10.5 | 6.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 192 | 164 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+29.9 | D+39.5 |
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
Waltham, MA
Massachusetts community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$831,292
Population
64,477
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
57
Northeast
View Waltham, MA →