Goleta, CA vs San Mateo, 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.
Goleta
65.8
#1608 nationally
San Mateo
63
#1808 nationally
Goleta leads in average commute (18 min vs 28.5 min). San Mateo leads in walk score (68 vs 44). San Mateo leads in median household income ($149,152 vs $113,889).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Goleta, CA | San Mateo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 65.8 (#1608) | 63 (#1808) |
| Population | 32,665 | 101,327 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,364,943 | $1,685,162 |
| Median Household Income | $113,889 | $149,152 |
| Average Commute | 18 min | 28.5 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 68 |
| Crime Level | 5.6 | 6.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 192 | 249 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+26.7 | D+50.3 |
D
65.8 Score
Goleta, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,364,943
Population
32,665
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
44
Pacific
View Goleta, CA →
D
63 Score
San Mateo, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,685,162
Population
101,327
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
68
Pacific
View San Mateo, CA →