Melrose, MA vs South El Monte, 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.
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
South El Monte
62.5
#1853 nationally
Melrose leads in crime level (2.8 vs 12.8). Melrose leads in median household income ($126,305 vs $67,724). South El Monte leads in average commute (27.7 min vs 37.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Melrose, MA | South El Monte, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.3 (#1438) | 62.5 (#1853) |
| Population | 29,357 | 19,032 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $930,823 | $759,990 |
| Median Household Income | $126,305 | $67,724 |
| Average Commute | 37.1 min | 27.7 min |
| Walk Score | 62 | 61 |
| Crime Level | 2.8 | 12.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 167 | 148 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+39.5 | D+32.9 |
D+
67.3 Score
Melrose, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$930,823
Population
29,357
Crime
Low
Walk Score
62
Northeast
View Melrose, MA →
D-
62.5 Score
South El Monte, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$759,990
Population
19,032
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
61
Pacific
View South El Monte, CA →
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