Modesto, CA vs Petaluma, 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.
Modesto
64.2
#1712 nationally
Petaluma
63.2
#1792 nationally
Petaluma leads in crime level (7.4 vs 18.0). Petaluma leads in median household income ($108,527 vs $73,375). Modesto leads in cost of living index (130 vs 178).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Modesto, CA | Petaluma, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.2 (#1712) | 63.2 (#1792) |
| Population | 218,915 | 58,800 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $447,153 | $903,171 |
| Median Household Income | $73,375 | $108,527 |
| Average Commute | 29.4 min | 30.5 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 47 |
| Crime Level | 18.0 | 7.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 178 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.0 | D+46.2 |
D
64.2 Score
Modesto, CA
Growing California city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$447,153
Population
218,915
Crime
High
Walk Score
48
Pacific
View Modesto, CA →
D
63.2 Score
Petaluma, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$903,171
Population
58,800
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
47
Pacific
View Petaluma, CA →