Matthews, NC vs San Marcos, 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.
Matthews
68.7
#1294 nationally
San Marcos
62.2
#1870 nationally
San Marcos leads in walk score (33 vs 16). Matthews leads in cost of living index (116 vs 166). Matthews leads in crime level (5.1 vs 6.1).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Matthews, NC | San Marcos, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 68.7 (#1294) | 62.2 (#1870) |
| Population | 30,934 | 94,188 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $514,763 | $953,736 |
| Median Household Income | $103,405 | $99,413 |
| Average Commute | 26.9 min | 26.7 min |
| Walk Score | 16 | 33 |
| Crime Level | 5.1 | 6.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 116 | 166 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+16.8 |
D+
68.7 Score
Matthews, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$514,763
Population
30,934
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
16
Southeast
View Matthews, NC →
D-
62.2 Score
San Marcos, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$953,736
Population
94,188
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
33
Pacific
View San Marcos, CA →
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