Laurel, MD vs Santa Monica, 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.
Laurel
66.4
#1547 nationally
Santa Monica
59.6
#1949 nationally
Laurel leads in cost of living index (125 vs 273). Laurel leads in crime level (10.8 vs 21.3). Santa Monica leads in walk score (83 vs 53).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Laurel, MD | Santa Monica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.4 (#1547) | 59.6 (#1949) |
| Population | 29,400 | 89,922 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $478,130 | $1,685,560 |
| Median Household Income | $92,035 | $106,797 |
| Average Commute | 33.5 min | 25.3 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 83 |
| Crime Level | 10.8 | 21.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 125 | 273 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.9 | D+32.9 |
D
66.4 Score
Laurel, MD
Small Maryland city with local appeal
Median Home
$478,130
Population
29,400
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
53
Northeast
View Laurel, MD →
F
59.6 Score
Santa Monica, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,685,560
Population
89,922
Crime
High
Walk Score
83
Pacific
View Santa Monica, CA →
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