Brea, CA vs La Mesa, 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
La Mesa
62.8
#1822 nationally
Brea leads in crime level (5.8 vs 11.4). Brea leads in median household income ($120,226 vs $83,649). La Mesa leads in average commute (25.6 min vs 31.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Brea, CA | La Mesa, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1700) | 62.8 (#1822) |
| Population | 48,479 | 60,537 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,134,146 | $896,209 |
| Median Household Income | $120,226 | $83,649 |
| Average Commute | 31.1 min | 25.6 min |
| Walk Score | 50 | 60 |
| Crime Level | 5.8 | 11.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 178 | 160 |
| 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-
62.8 Score
La Mesa, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$896,209
Population
60,537
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
60
Pacific
View La Mesa, CA →