Bell, CA vs San Marcos, 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.
Bell
60.8
#1919 nationally
San Marcos
62.2
#1870 nationally
San Marcos leads in crime level (6.1 vs 16.0). Bell leads in walk score (77 vs 33). San Marcos leads in median household income ($99,413 vs $56,685).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bell, CA | San Marcos, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 60.8 (#1919) | 62.2 (#1870) |
| Population | 31,864 | 94,188 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $695,526 | $953,736 |
| Median Household Income | $56,685 | $99,413 |
| Average Commute | 32.2 min | 26.7 min |
| Walk Score | 77 | 33 |
| Crime Level | 16.0 | 6.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 142 | 166 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+16.8 |
D-
60.8 Score
Bell, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$695,526
Population
31,864
Crime
High
Walk Score
77
Pacific
View Bell, CA →
D-
62.2 Score
San Marcos, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$953,736
Population
94,188
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
33
Pacific
View San Marcos, CA →