Salinas, CA vs Vallejo, 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
Vallejo
61.3
#1913 nationally
Salinas leads in average commute (25.9 min vs 36.7 min). Salinas leads in crime level (14.4 vs 20.3). Salinas leads in walk score (55 vs 46).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Salinas, CA | Vallejo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.5 (#1766) | 61.3 (#1913) |
| Population | 159,506 | 122,807 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $753,868 | $524,543 |
| Median Household Income | $84,250 | $86,112 |
| Average Commute | 25.9 min | 36.7 min |
| Walk Score | 55 | 46 |
| Crime Level | 14.4 | 20.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 149 | 144 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+29.9 | D+23.0 |
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-
61.3 Score
Vallejo, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$524,543
Population
122,807
Crime
High
Walk Score
46
Pacific
View Vallejo, CA →