Salem, OR vs San Mateo, 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.
Salem
67.1
#1465 nationally
San Mateo
63
#1808 nationally
San Mateo leads in median household income ($149,152 vs $67,540). San Mateo leads in crime level (6.7 vs 14.6). Salem leads in cost of living index (115 vs 249).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Salem, OR | San Mateo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.1 (#1465) | 63 (#1808) |
| Population | 177,432 | 101,327 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $440,726 | $1,685,162 |
| Median Household Income | $67,540 | $149,152 |
| Average Commute | 22.7 min | 28.5 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 68 |
| Crime Level | 14.6 | 6.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 115 | 249 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+2.0 | D+50.3 |
D+
67.1 Score
Salem, OR
Mid-size Oregon city with community character
Median Home
$440,726
Population
177,432
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
42
Pacific
View Salem, OR →
D
63 Score
San Mateo, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,685,162
Population
101,327
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
68
Pacific
View San Mateo, CA →