Cary, NC vs Redwood City, 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.
Cary
72.1
#924 nationally
Redwood City
60.8
#1924 nationally
Cary leads in crime level (1.9 vs 12.9). Redwood City leads in walk score (62 vs 28). Cary leads in cost of living index (125 vs 269).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Cary, NC | Redwood City, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.1 (#924) | 60.8 (#1924) |
| Population | 180,010 | 80,996 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $628,913 | $1,893,533 |
| Median Household Income | $125,317 | $145,620 |
| Average Commute | 22.8 min | 24.8 min |
| Walk Score | 28 | 62 |
| Crime Level | 1.9 | 12.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 269 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+25.6 | D+50.3 |
C-
72.1 Score
Cary, NC
Mid-size North Carolina city with community character
Median Home
$628,913
Population
180,010
Crime
Low
Walk Score
28
Southeast
View Cary, NC →
D-
60.8 Score
Redwood City, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,893,533
Population
80,996
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
62
Pacific
View Redwood City, CA →