Melrose, MA vs Surprise, AZ
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
Surprise
71
#1038 nationally
Melrose leads in walk score (62 vs 21). Surprise leads in cost of living index (115 vs 167). Melrose leads in median household income ($126,305 vs $87,756).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Melrose, MA | Surprise, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.3 (#1438) | 71 (#1038) |
| Population | 29,357 | 158,285 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $930,823 | $419,342 |
| Median Household Income | $126,305 | $87,756 |
| Average Commute | 37.1 min | 30.5 min |
| Walk Score | 62 | 21 |
| Crime Level | 2.8 | 3.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 167 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+39.5 | R+3.5 |
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
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C-
71 Score
Surprise, AZ
Mid-size Arizona city with community character
Median Home
$419,342
Population
158,285
Crime
Low
Walk Score
21
Southwest
View Surprise, AZ →