Riverside, CA 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.
Riverside
60.4
#1938 nationally
Santa Monica
59.6
#1949 nationally
Riverside leads in cost of living index (140 vs 273). Santa Monica leads in walk score (83 vs 43). Riverside leads in crime level (16.2 vs 21.3).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Santa Monica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 60.4 (#1938) | 59.6 (#1949) |
| Population | 318,858 | 89,922 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $650,289 | $1,685,560 |
| Median Household Income | $83,448 | $106,797 |
| Average Commute | 31.3 min | 25.3 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 83 |
| Crime Level | 16.2 | 21.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 140 | 273 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+1.3 | D+32.9 |
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 →
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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