Riverside, CA vs San Marcos, 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.
Riverside
60.4
#1938 nationally
San Marcos
62.2
#1870 nationally
San Marcos leads in crime level (6.1 vs 16.2). Riverside leads in walk score (43 vs 33). San Marcos leads in median household income ($99,413 vs $83,448).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Riverside, CA | San Marcos, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 60.4 (#1938) | 62.2 (#1870) |
| Population | 318,858 | 94,188 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $650,289 | $953,736 |
| Median Household Income | $83,448 | $99,413 |
| Average Commute | 31.3 min | 26.7 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 33 |
| Crime Level | 16.2 | 6.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 140 | 166 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+1.3 | D+16.8 |
D-
60.4 Score
Riverside, CA
Growing California city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$650,289
Population
318,858
Crime
High
Walk Score
43
Pacific
View Riverside, CA →
D-
62.2 Score
San Marcos, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$953,736
Population
94,188
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
33
Pacific
View San Marcos, CA →
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