Encinitas, CA vs Santa Cruz, 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.
Encinitas
63.4
#1769 nationally
Santa Cruz
60.5
#1932 nationally
Encinitas leads in crime level (5.9 vs 16.8). Santa Cruz leads in walk score (63 vs 43). Encinitas leads in median household income ($142,506 vs $105,491).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Encinitas, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.4 (#1769) | 60.5 (#1932) |
| Population | 60,841 | 61,501 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,932,178 | $1,360,355 |
| Median Household Income | $142,506 | $105,491 |
| Average Commute | 24.5 min | 22.2 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 63 |
| Crime Level | 5.9 | 16.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 215 | 205 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+16.8 | D+54.4 |
D
63.4 Score
Encinitas, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,932,178
Population
60,841
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
43
Pacific
View Encinitas, CA →
D-
60.5 Score
Santa Cruz, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,360,355
Population
61,501
Crime
High
Walk Score
63
Pacific
View Santa Cruz, CA →
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