Albany, CA vs San Rafael, 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.
Albany
68.2
#1329 nationally
San Rafael
58.5
#1954 nationally
Albany leads in crime level (3.8 vs 15.3). Albany leads in walk score (84 vs 53). San Rafael leads in average commute (27.5 min vs 31.7 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Albany, CA | San Rafael, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 68.2 (#1329) | 58.5 (#1954) |
| Population | 19,097 | 59,555 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,249,885 | $1,332,023 |
| Median Household Income | $124,469 | $113,839 |
| Average Commute | 31.7 min | 27.5 min |
| Walk Score | 84 | 53 |
| Crime Level | 3.8 | 15.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 207 | 213 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+53.6 | D+63.9 |
D+
68.2 Score
Albany, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,249,885
Population
19,097
Crime
Low
Walk Score
84
Pacific
View Albany, CA →
F
58.5 Score
San Rafael, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,332,023
Population
59,555
Crime
High
Walk Score
53
Pacific
View San Rafael, CA →