Phoenix, AZ vs Walnut Creek, 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.
Phoenix
66.7
#1514 nationally
Walnut Creek
61.4
#1910 nationally
Walnut Creek leads in median household income ($129,971 vs $65,891). Phoenix leads in cost of living index (106 vs 197). Phoenix leads in average commute (26.7 min vs 35.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Walnut Creek, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.7 (#1514) | 61.4 (#1910) |
| Population | 1,650,070 | 69,152 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $408,770 | $1,032,096 |
| Median Household Income | $65,891 | $129,971 |
| Average Commute | 26.7 min | 35.1 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 41 |
| Crime Level | Moderate-High | 7.7 |
| School Rating | 5.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 106 | 197 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+3.5 | D+38.0 |
D
66.7 Score
Phoenix, AZ
Valley of the Sun with explosive growth
Median Home
$408,770
Population
1,650,070
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
C+
Southwest
View Phoenix, AZ →
D-
61.4 Score
Walnut Creek, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,032,096
Population
69,152
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
41
Pacific
View Walnut Creek, CA →
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