Pacifica, CA vs Salem, VA
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.
Pacifica
64.7
#1680 nationally
Salem
73.2
#778 nationally
Pacifica leads in median household income ($151,849 vs $68,402). Salem leads in cost of living index (105 vs 211). Pacifica leads in crime level (4.0 vs 7.2).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Pacifica, CA | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.7 (#1680) | 73.2 (#778) |
| Population | 36,426 | 25,600 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,276,738 | $312,662 |
| Median Household Income | $151,849 | $68,402 |
| Average Commute | 29 min | 18.8 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 27 |
| Crime Level | 4.0 | 7.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 211 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+50.3 | R+19.3 |
D
64.7 Score
Pacifica, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,276,738
Population
36,426
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
45
Pacific
View Pacifica, CA →
C
73.2 Score
Salem, VA
Small Virginia city with local appeal
Median Home
$312,662
Population
25,600
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
27
Northeast
View Salem, VA →