Newton, MA vs Salinas, 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.
Newton
69.4
#1220 nationally
Salinas
63.5
#1766 nationally
Newton leads in crime level (1.3 vs 14.4). Newton leads in median household income ($176,373 vs $84,250). Salinas leads in cost of living index (149 vs 207).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Newton, MA | Salinas, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 69.4 (#1220) | 63.5 (#1766) |
| Population | 88,415 | 159,506 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,540,226 | $753,868 |
| Median Household Income | $176,373 | $84,250 |
| Average Commute | 27.1 min | 25.9 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 55 |
| Crime Level | 1.3 | 14.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 207 | 149 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+39.5 | D+29.9 |
D+
69.4 Score
Newton, MA
Massachusetts community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,540,226
Population
88,415
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
57
Northeast
View Newton, MA →
D
63.5 Score
Salinas, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$753,868
Population
159,506
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
55
Pacific
View Salinas, CA →