La Mesa, CA vs Salem, VA
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.
La Mesa
62.8
#1822 nationally
Salem
73.2
#778 nationally
La Mesa leads in walk score (60 vs 27). Salem leads in crime level (7.2 vs 11.4). Salem leads in cost of living index (105 vs 160).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | La Mesa, CA | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 62.8 (#1822) | 73.2 (#778) |
| Population | 60,537 | 25,600 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $896,209 | $312,662 |
| Median Household Income | $83,649 | $68,402 |
| Average Commute | 25.6 min | 18.8 min |
| Walk Score | 60 | 27 |
| Crime Level | 11.4 | 7.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 160 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+16.8 | R+19.3 |
D-
62.8 Score
La Mesa, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$896,209
Population
60,537
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
60
Pacific
View La Mesa, CA →
C
73.2 Score
Salem, VA
Small Virginia city with local appeal
Median Home
$312,662
Population
25,600
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
27
Northeast
View Salem, VA →