Albany, CA vs Santa Cruz, 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
Santa Cruz
60.5
#1932 nationally
Albany leads in crime level (3.8 vs 16.8). Santa Cruz leads in average commute (22.2 min vs 31.7 min). Albany leads in walk score (84 vs 63).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Albany, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 68.2 (#1329) | 60.5 (#1932) |
| Population | 19,097 | 61,501 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,249,885 | $1,360,355 |
| Median Household Income | $124,469 | $105,491 |
| Average Commute | 31.7 min | 22.2 min |
| Walk Score | 84 | 63 |
| Crime Level | 3.8 | 16.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 207 | 205 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+53.6 | D+54.4 |
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 →
D-
60.5 Score
Santa Cruz, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,360,355
Population
61,501
Crime
High
Walk Score
63
Pacific
View Santa Cruz, CA →