Salinas, CA vs Union City, 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.
Salinas
63.5
#1766 nationally
Union City
60
#1943 nationally
Union City leads in median household income ($138,013 vs $84,250). Salinas leads in cost of living index (149 vs 201). Union City leads in crime level (11.2 vs 14.4).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Salinas, CA | Union City, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.5 (#1766) | 60 (#1943) |
| Population | 159,506 | 65,414 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $753,868 | $1,223,080 |
| Median Household Income | $84,250 | $138,013 |
| Average Commute | 25.9 min | 33 min |
| Walk Score | 55 | 47 |
| Crime Level | 14.4 | 11.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 149 | 201 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+29.9 | D+53.6 |
D
63.5 Score
Salinas, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$753,868
Population
159,506
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
55
Pacific
View Salinas, CA →
D-
60 Score
Union City, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,223,080
Population
65,414
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
47
Pacific
View Union City, CA →