Des Moines, WA vs El Cajon, 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.
Des Moines
64.6
#1684 nationally
El Cajon
62.5
#1848 nationally
El Cajon leads in walk score (61 vs 41). Des Moines leads in crime level (8.1 vs 11.9). Des Moines leads in median household income ($81,362 vs $64,128).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, WA | El Cajon, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.6 (#1684) | 62.5 (#1848) |
| Population | 31,988 | 102,991 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $607,792 | $812,181 |
| Median Household Income | $81,362 | $64,128 |
| Average Commute | 30.2 min | 25.4 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 61 |
| Crime Level | 8.1 | 11.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 150 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+51.7 | D+16.8 |
D
64.6 Score
Des Moines, WA
Small Washington city with local appeal
Median Home
$607,792
Population
31,988
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
41
Pacific
View Des Moines, WA →
D-
62.5 Score
El Cajon, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$812,181
Population
102,991
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
61
Pacific
View El Cajon, CA →
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