Martinez, 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.
Martinez
64.8
#1674 nationally
Santa Cruz
60.5
#1932 nationally
Martinez leads in crime level (7.6 vs 16.8). Santa Cruz leads in walk score (63 vs 41). Santa Cruz leads in average commute (22.2 min vs 31 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Martinez, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.8 (#1674) | 60.5 (#1932) |
| Population | 36,395 | 61,501 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $766,182 | $1,360,355 |
| Median Household Income | $124,669 | $105,491 |
| Average Commute | 31 min | 22.2 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 63 |
| Crime Level | 7.6 | 16.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 171 | 205 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+38.0 | D+54.4 |
D
64.8 Score
Martinez, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$766,182
Population
36,395
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
41
Pacific
View Martinez, 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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