Monterey, CA vs Oakland, 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.
Monterey
62.7
#1834 nationally
Oakland
62
#1880 nationally
Monterey leads in average commute (19.1 min vs 32.1 min). Oakland leads in walk score (73 vs 53). Oakland leads in cost of living index (155 vs 192).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Monterey, CA | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 62.7 (#1834) | 62 (#1880) |
| Population | 29,116 | 433,823 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,179,065 | $717,798 |
| Median Household Income | $98,003 | $85,459 |
| Average Commute | 19.1 min | 32.1 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 73 |
| Crime Level | 10.5 | High |
| School Rating | N/A | 4.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 192 | 155 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+29.9 | D+53.6 |
D-
62.7 Score
Monterey, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,179,065
Population
29,116
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
53
Pacific
View Monterey, CA →
D-
62 Score
Oakland, CA
Gritty, diverse, and full of culture
Median Home
$717,798
Population
433,823
Crime
High
Schools
C
Pacific
View Oakland, CA →