Paterson, NJ vs San Luis Obispo, 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.
Paterson
63.6
#1757 nationally
San Luis Obispo
62.9
#1818 nationally
San Luis Obispo leads in crime level (11.6 vs 26.8). San Luis Obispo leads in average commute (15.4 min vs 23.4 min). Paterson leads in cost of living index (122 vs 174).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Paterson, NJ | San Luis Obispo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.6 (#1757) | 62.9 (#1818) |
| Population | 156,452 | 49,244 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $542,128 | $1,097,597 |
| Median Household Income | $52,092 | $65,000 |
| Average Commute | 23.4 min | 15.4 min |
| Walk Score | 76 | 56 |
| Crime Level | 26.8 | 11.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 122 | 174 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+2.9 | D+10.9 |
D
63.6 Score
Paterson, NJ
Mid-size New Jersey city with community character
Median Home
$542,128
Population
156,452
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
76
Northeast
View Paterson, NJ →
D-
62.9 Score
San Luis Obispo, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,097,597
Population
49,244
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
56
Pacific
View San Luis Obispo, CA →
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