Novato, CA 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.
Novato
61.2
#1914 nationally
Salinas
63.5
#1766 nationally
Novato leads in crime level (6.9 vs 14.4). Salinas leads in walk score (55 vs 36). Novato leads in median household income ($110,948 vs $84,250).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Novato, CA | Salinas, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.2 (#1914) | 63.5 (#1766) |
| Population | 51,722 | 159,506 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,078,032 | $753,868 |
| Median Household Income | $110,948 | $84,250 |
| Average Commute | 29.5 min | 25.9 min |
| Walk Score | 36 | 55 |
| Crime Level | 6.9 | 14.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 193 | 149 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+63.9 | D+29.9 |
D-
61.2 Score
Novato, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,078,032
Population
51,722
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
36
Pacific
View Novato, CA →
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 →