Durham, NC vs Palmdale, 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.
Durham
69.4
#1213 nationally
Palmdale
58
#1956 nationally
Durham leads in average commute (22.8 min vs 41.3 min). Durham leads in walk score (33 vs 24). Durham leads in cost of living index (102 vs 130).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Durham, NC | Palmdale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 69.4 (#1213) | 58 (#1956) |
| Population | 283,506 | 161,404 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $395,976 | $503,499 |
| Median Household Income | $67,432 | $78,414 |
| Average Commute | 22.8 min | 41.3 min |
| Walk Score | 33 | 24 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 15.1 |
| School Rating | 6.4 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 130 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+61.9 | D+32.9 |
D+
69.4 Score
Durham, NC
Bull City innovation and inclusion
Median Home
$395,976
Population
283,506
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B-
Southeast
View Durham, NC →
F
58 Score
Palmdale, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$503,499
Population
161,404
Crime
High
Walk Score
24
Pacific
View Palmdale, CA →