Monterey, CA vs Palmdale, 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
Palmdale
58
#1956 nationally
Monterey leads in walk score (53 vs 24). Monterey leads in average commute (19.1 min vs 41.3 min). Palmdale leads in cost of living index (130 vs 192).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Monterey, CA | Palmdale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 62.7 (#1834) | 58 (#1956) |
| Population | 29,116 | 161,404 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,179,065 | $503,499 |
| Median Household Income | $98,003 | $78,414 |
| Average Commute | 19.1 min | 41.3 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 24 |
| Crime Level | 10.5 | 15.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 192 | 130 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+29.9 | D+32.9 |
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 →
F
58 Score
Palmdale, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$503,499
Population
161,404
Crime
High
Walk Score
24
Pacific
View Palmdale, CA →