Durham, NC vs Vista, 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
Vista
63.3
#1784 nationally
Durham leads in cost of living index (102 vs 158). Vista leads in walk score (46 vs 33). Vista leads in median household income ($88,715 vs $67,432).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Durham, NC | Vista, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 69.4 (#1213) | 63.3 (#1784) |
| Population | 283,506 | 98,344 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $395,976 | $879,716 |
| Median Household Income | $67,432 | $88,715 |
| Average Commute | 22.8 min | 27.1 min |
| Walk Score | 33 | 46 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 8.7 |
| School Rating | 6.4 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 158 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+61.9 | D+16.8 |
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 →
D
63.3 Score
Vista, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$879,716
Population
98,344
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
46
Pacific
View Vista, CA →