Salem, VA vs Vista, 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
73.2
#778 nationally
Vista
63.3
#1784 nationally
Vista leads in walk score (46 vs 27). Salem leads in cost of living index (105 vs 158). Salem leads in average commute (18.8 min vs 27.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Salem, VA | Vista, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.2 (#778) | 63.3 (#1784) |
| Population | 25,600 | 98,344 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $312,662 | $879,716 |
| Median Household Income | $68,402 | $88,715 |
| Average Commute | 18.8 min | 27.1 min |
| Walk Score | 27 | 46 |
| Crime Level | 7.2 | 8.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 158 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+19.3 | D+16.8 |
C
73.2 Score
Salem, VA
Small Virginia city with local appeal
Median Home
$312,662
Population
25,600
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
27
Northeast
View Salem, VA →
D
63.3 Score
Vista, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$879,716
Population
98,344
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
46
Pacific
View Vista, CA →