Carmel, IN vs Walnut Creek, 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.
Carmel
74.5
#579 nationally
Walnut Creek
61.4
#1910 nationally
Carmel leads in cost of living index (108 vs 197). Carmel leads in average commute (23.5 min vs 35.1 min). Walnut Creek leads in walk score (41 vs 28).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carmel, IN | Walnut Creek, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.5 (#579) | 61.4 (#1910) |
| Population | 104,776 | 69,152 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $580,014 | $1,032,096 |
| Median Household Income | $121,400 | $129,971 |
| Average Commute | 23.5 min | 35.1 min |
| Walk Score | 28 | 41 |
| Crime Level | Very Low | 7.7 |
| School Rating | 9 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 197 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+6.1 | D+38.0 |
C
74.5 Score
Carmel, IN
Award-winning city planning meets Midwestern charm
Median Home
$580,014
Population
104,776
Crime
Very Low
Schools
A
Midwest
View Carmel, IN →
D-
61.4 Score
Walnut Creek, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,032,096
Population
69,152
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
41
Pacific
View Walnut Creek, CA →
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