Medford, MA 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.
Medford
67.7
#1394 nationally
San Mateo
63
#1808 nationally
Medford leads in cost of living index (161 vs 249). Medford leads in crime level (4.9 vs 6.7). San Mateo leads in median household income ($149,152 vs $114,863).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Medford, MA | San Mateo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.7 (#1394) | 63 (#1808) |
| Population | 58,744 | 101,327 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $842,743 | $1,685,162 |
| Median Household Income | $114,863 | $149,152 |
| Average Commute | 31.4 min | 28.5 min |
| Walk Score | 68 | 68 |
| Crime Level | 4.9 | 6.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 161 | 249 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+39.5 | D+50.3 |
D+
67.7 Score
Medford, MA
Massachusetts community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$842,743
Population
58,744
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
68
Northeast
View Medford, MA →
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 →