Des Moines, WA vs San Jose, 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
San Jose
63
#1807 nationally
San Jose leads in median household income ($142,891 vs $81,362). Des Moines leads in cost of living index (133 vs 198). San Jose leads in walk score (51 vs 41).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, WA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.6 (#1684) | 63 (#1807) |
| Population | 31,988 | 983,489 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $607,792 | $1,391,204 |
| Median Household Income | $81,362 | $142,891 |
| Average Commute | 30.2 min | 28.4 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 51 |
| Crime Level | 8.1 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 7.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 198 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+51.7 | D+40.0 |
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
63 Score
San Jose, CA
Capital of Silicon Valley
Median Home
$1,391,204
Population
983,489
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Pacific
View San Jose, CA →