Brea, 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.
Brea
64.3
#1700 nationally
San Marcos
62.2
#1870 nationally
Brea leads in walk score (50 vs 33). Brea leads in median household income ($120,226 vs $99,413). San Marcos leads in average commute (26.7 min vs 31.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Brea, CA | San Marcos, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1700) | 62.2 (#1870) |
| Population | 48,479 | 94,188 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,134,146 | $953,736 |
| Median Household Income | $120,226 | $99,413 |
| Average Commute | 31.1 min | 26.7 min |
| Walk Score | 50 | 33 |
| Crime Level | 5.8 | 6.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 178 | 166 |
| 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-
62.2 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 →