Paramus, NJ vs Santa Monica, 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.
Paramus
67.9
#1371 nationally
Santa Monica
59.6
#1949 nationally
Paramus leads in crime level (0.8 vs 21.3). Santa Monica leads in walk score (83 vs 37). Paramus leads in cost of living index (173 vs 273).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Paramus, NJ | Santa Monica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.9 (#1371) | 59.6 (#1949) |
| Population | 26,282 | 89,922 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,086,056 | $1,685,560 |
| Median Household Income | $136,824 | $106,797 |
| Average Commute | 31 min | 25.3 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 83 |
| Crime Level | 0.8 | 21.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 273 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+3.4 | D+32.9 |
D+
67.9 Score
Paramus, NJ
Small New Jersey city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,086,056
Population
26,282
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
37
Northeast
View Paramus, NJ →
F
59.6 Score
Santa Monica, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,685,560
Population
89,922
Crime
High
Walk Score
83
Pacific
View Santa Monica, CA →
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