Phoenix, AZ vs Rancho Santa Margarita, 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.
Phoenix
66.7
#1514 nationally
Rancho Santa Margarita
68
#1361 nationally
Rancho Santa Margarita leads in median household income ($150,146 vs $65,891). Phoenix leads in cost of living index (106 vs 178). Phoenix leads in walk score (41 vs 34).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.7 (#1514) | 68 (#1361) |
| Population | 1,650,070 | 46,182 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $408,770 | $1,017,195 |
| Median Household Income | $65,891 | $150,146 |
| Average Commute | 26.7 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 34 |
| Crime Level | Moderate-High | 2.2 |
| School Rating | 5.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 106 | 178 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+3.5 | D+2.6 |
D
66.7 Score
Phoenix, AZ
Valley of the Sun with explosive growth
Median Home
$408,770
Population
1,650,070
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
C+
Southwest
View Phoenix, AZ →
D+
68 Score
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,017,195
Population
46,182
Crime
Low
Walk Score
34
Pacific
View Rancho Santa Margarita, CA →
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