Melrose, MA vs Sunnyvale, 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
Sunnyvale
66.4
#1551 nationally
Sunnyvale leads in average commute (25.6 min vs 37.1 min). Sunnyvale leads in median household income ($168,924 vs $126,305). Melrose leads in cost of living index (167 vs 205).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Melrose, MA | Sunnyvale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.3 (#1438) | 66.4 (#1551) |
| Population | 29,357 | 155,805 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $930,823 | $2,050,814 |
| Median Household Income | $126,305 | $168,924 |
| Average Commute | 37.1 min | 25.6 min |
| Walk Score | 62 | 54 |
| Crime Level | 2.8 | Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 8.6 |
| Cost of Living Index | 167 | 205 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+39.5 | D+40.0 |
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
66.4 Score
Sunnyvale, CA
Heart of tech innovation
Median Home
$2,050,814
Population
155,805
Crime
Low
Schools
A
Pacific
View Sunnyvale, CA →