Riverside, CA vs San Rafael, 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.
Riverside
60.4
#1938 nationally
San Rafael
58.5
#1954 nationally
Riverside leads in cost of living index (140 vs 213). San Rafael leads in median household income ($113,839 vs $83,448). San Rafael leads in walk score (53 vs 43).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Riverside, CA | San Rafael, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 60.4 (#1938) | 58.5 (#1954) |
| Population | 318,858 | 59,555 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $650,289 | $1,332,023 |
| Median Household Income | $83,448 | $113,839 |
| Average Commute | 31.3 min | 27.5 min |
| Walk Score | 43 | 53 |
| Crime Level | 16.2 | 15.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 140 | 213 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+1.3 | D+63.9 |
D-
60.4 Score
Riverside, CA
Growing California city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$650,289
Population
318,858
Crime
High
Walk Score
43
Pacific
View Riverside, CA →
F
58.5 Score
San Rafael, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,332,023
Population
59,555
Crime
High
Walk Score
53
Pacific
View San Rafael, CA →
Try a different matchup
Swap Riverside for: