Carson, 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.
Carson
63.8
#1737 nationally
San Marcos
62.2
#1870 nationally
San Marcos leads in crime level (6.1 vs 11.5). Carson leads in walk score (55 vs 33). Carson leads in cost of living index (154 vs 166).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carson, CA | San Marcos, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.8 (#1737) | 62.2 (#1870) |
| Population | 91,139 | 94,188 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $796,912 | $953,736 |
| Median Household Income | $103,045 | $99,413 |
| Average Commute | 27.6 min | 26.7 min |
| Walk Score | 55 | 33 |
| Crime Level | 11.5 | 6.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 154 | 166 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+16.8 |
D
63.8 Score
Carson, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$796,912
Population
91,139
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
55
Pacific
View Carson, 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 →