Orange, CA vs San Diego, 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.

Orange

63.3

#1780 nationally

vs

San Diego

65.3

#1643 nationally

Orange leads in median household income ($109,335 vs $89,457). San Diego leads in cost of living index (165 vs 178). San Diego leads in average commute (25.4 min vs 26.5 min).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Orange, CA San Diego, CA
WhereAtHome Score 63.3 (#1780) 65.3 (#1643)
Population 138,337 1,388,320
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $1,136,729 $994,682
Median Household Income $109,335 $89,457
Average Commute 26.5 min 25.4 min
Walk Score 51 52
Crime Level 6.2 Moderate-Low
School Rating N/A 6.8
Cost of Living Index 178 165
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored D+2.6 D+16.8