Des Moines, WA vs Oakland, 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
Oakland
62
#1880 nationally
Oakland leads in walk score (73 vs 41). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (133 vs 155). Des Moines leads in average commute (30.2 min vs 32.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, WA | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.6 (#1684) | 62 (#1880) |
| Population | 31,988 | 433,823 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $607,792 | $717,798 |
| Median Household Income | $81,362 | $85,459 |
| Average Commute | 30.2 min | 32.1 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 73 |
| Crime Level | 8.1 | High |
| School Rating | N/A | 4.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 155 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+51.7 | D+53.6 |
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 Score
Oakland, CA
Gritty, diverse, and full of culture
Median Home
$717,798
Population
433,823
Crime
High
Schools
C
Pacific
View Oakland, CA →