Modesto, CA vs Ridgewood, NJ
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
Ridgewood
68
#1362 nationally
Ridgewood leads in crime level (1.2 vs 18.0). Ridgewood leads in median household income ($211,224 vs $73,375). Modesto leads in cost of living index (130 vs 181).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Modesto, CA | Ridgewood, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.2 (#1712) | 68 (#1362) |
| Population | 218,915 | 26,194 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $447,153 | $1,273,036 |
| Median Household Income | $73,375 | $211,224 |
| Average Commute | 29.4 min | 36.3 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 18.0 | 1.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 181 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.0 | D+3.4 |
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+
68 Score
Ridgewood, NJ
Small New Jersey city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,273,036
Population
26,194
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
42
Northeast
View Ridgewood, NJ →