Brea, CA vs Encinitas, 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.
Brea
64.3
#1700 nationally
Encinitas
63.4
#1769 nationally
Encinitas leads in average commute (24.5 min vs 31.1 min). Brea leads in cost of living index (178 vs 215). Encinitas leads in median household income ($142,506 vs $120,226).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Brea, CA | Encinitas, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1700) | 63.4 (#1769) |
| Population | 48,479 | 60,841 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,134,146 | $1,932,178 |
| Median Household Income | $120,226 | $142,506 |
| Average Commute | 31.1 min | 24.5 min |
| Walk Score | 50 | 43 |
| Crime Level | 5.8 | 5.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 178 | 215 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+2.6 | D+16.8 |
D
64.3 Score
Brea, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,134,146
Population
48,479
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
50
Pacific
View Brea, CA →
D
63.4 Score
Encinitas, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,932,178
Population
60,841
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
43
Pacific
View Encinitas, CA →