Monterey, CA vs Watsonville, 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
Watsonville
63.3
#1786 nationally
Monterey leads in average commute (19.1 min vs 26.3 min). Monterey leads in median household income ($98,003 vs $72,295). Watsonville leads in walk score (69 vs 53).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Monterey, CA | Watsonville, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 62.7 (#1834) | 63.3 (#1786) |
| Population | 29,116 | 50,867 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,179,065 | $828,739 |
| Median Household Income | $98,003 | $72,295 |
| Average Commute | 19.1 min | 26.3 min |
| Walk Score | 53 | 69 |
| Crime Level | 10.5 | 10.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 192 | 152 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+29.9 | D+54.4 |
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
63.3 Score
Watsonville, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$828,739
Population
50,867
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
69
Pacific
View Watsonville, CA →
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