Carteret, NJ vs Petaluma, 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.
Carteret
66
#1591 nationally
Petaluma
63.2
#1792 nationally
Carteret leads in cost of living index (125 vs 178). Petaluma leads in median household income ($108,527 vs $79,049). Carteret leads in walk score (56 vs 47).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Carteret, NJ | Petaluma, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66 (#1591) | 63.2 (#1792) |
| Population | 25,281 | 58,800 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $567,711 | $903,171 |
| Median Household Income | $79,049 | $108,527 |
| Average Commute | 32 min | 30.5 min |
| Walk Score | 56 | 47 |
| Crime Level | 8.6 | 7.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 178 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+8.0 | D+46.2 |
D
66 Score
Carteret, NJ
Small New Jersey city with local appeal
Median Home
$567,711
Population
25,281
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
56
Northeast
View Carteret, NJ →
D
63.2 Score
Petaluma, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$903,171
Population
58,800
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
47
Pacific
View Petaluma, CA →