Monterey, CA vs Riverside, 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
Riverside
60.4
#1938 nationally
Monterey leads in average commute (19.1 min vs 31.3 min). Monterey leads in crime level (10.5 vs 16.2). Riverside leads in cost of living index (140 vs 192).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Monterey, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 62.7 (#1834) | 60.4 (#1938) |
| Population | 29,116 | 318,858 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,179,065 | $650,289 |
| Median Household Income | $98,003 | $83,448 |
| Average Commute | 19.1 min | 31.3 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 43 |
| Crime Level | 10.5 | 16.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 192 | 140 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+29.9 | R+1.3 |
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-
60.4 Score
Riverside, CA
Growing California city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$650,289
Population
318,858
Crime
High
Walk Score
43
Pacific
View Riverside, CA →