Modesto, CA vs San Diego, 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
San Diego
65.3
#1643 nationally
Modesto leads in cost of living index (130 vs 165). San Diego leads in median household income ($89,457 vs $73,375). San Diego leads in average commute (25.4 min vs 29.4 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Modesto, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.2 (#1712) | 65.3 (#1643) |
| Population | 218,915 | 1,388,320 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $447,153 | $994,682 |
| Median Household Income | $73,375 | $89,457 |
| Average Commute | 29.4 min | 25.4 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 52 |
| Crime Level | 18.0 | Moderate-Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 6.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 165 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.0 | D+16.8 |
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
65.3 Score
San Diego, CA
America's Finest City
Median Home
$994,682
Population
1,388,320
Crime
Moderate-Low
Schools
B
Pacific
View San Diego, CA →
Try a different matchup
Swap Modesto for: