Cambridge, MA vs Hercules, 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.
Cambridge
70.6
#1085 nationally
Hercules
63.3
#1776 nationally
Cambridge leads in walk score (87 vs 29). Cambridge leads in average commute (27.8 min vs 40.4 min). Hercules leads in median household income ($125,880 vs $115,892).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Cambridge, MA | Hercules, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.6 (#1085) | 63.3 (#1776) |
| Population | 117,090 | 26,582 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,055,780 | $743,984 |
| Median Household Income | $115,892 | $125,880 |
| Average Commute | 27.8 min | 40.4 min |
| Walk Score | 87 | 29 |
| Crime Level | Low | 4.6 |
| School Rating | 8.4 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 172 | 171 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+39.5 | D+38.0 |
C-
70.6 Score
Cambridge, MA
Academic powerhouse across the Charles
Median Home
$1,055,780
Population
117,090
Crime
Low
Schools
A
Northeast
View Cambridge, MA →
D
63.3 Score
Hercules, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$743,984
Population
26,582
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
29
Pacific
View Hercules, CA →