Oakdale, CA vs Santa Cruz, 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.
Oakdale
63.4
#1772 nationally
Santa Cruz
60.5
#1932 nationally
Santa Cruz leads in average commute (22.2 min vs 35.1 min). Oakdale leads in crime level (10.8 vs 16.8). Oakdale leads in cost of living index (133 vs 205).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Oakdale, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.4 (#1772) | 60.5 (#1932) |
| Population | 23,045 | 61,501 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $558,603 | $1,360,355 |
| Median Household Income | $83,110 | $105,491 |
| Average Commute | 35.1 min | 22.2 min |
| Walk Score | 52 | 63 |
| Crime Level | 10.8 | 16.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 205 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.0 | D+54.4 |
D
63.4 Score
Oakdale, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$558,603
Population
23,045
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
52
Pacific
View Oakdale, CA →
D-
60.5 Score
Santa Cruz, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,360,355
Population
61,501
Crime
High
Walk Score
63
Pacific
View Santa Cruz, CA →