Monterey, CA vs Salem, OR
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
Salem
67.1
#1465 nationally
Salem leads in cost of living index (115 vs 192). Monterey leads in median household income ($98,003 vs $67,540). Monterey leads in crime level (10.5 vs 14.6).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Monterey, CA | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 62.7 (#1834) | 67.1 (#1465) |
| Population | 29,116 | 177,432 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,179,065 | $440,726 |
| Median Household Income | $98,003 | $67,540 |
| Average Commute | 19.1 min | 22.7 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 10.5 | 14.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 192 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+29.9 | R+2.0 |
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+
67.1 Score
Salem, OR
Mid-size Oregon city with community character
Median Home
$440,726
Population
177,432
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
42
Pacific
View Salem, OR →