Salem, OR vs San Marcos, 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.
Salem
67.1
#1465 nationally
San Marcos
62.2
#1870 nationally
San Marcos leads in crime level (6.1 vs 14.6). San Marcos leads in median household income ($99,413 vs $67,540). Salem leads in cost of living index (115 vs 166).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Salem, OR | San Marcos, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.1 (#1465) | 62.2 (#1870) |
| Population | 177,432 | 94,188 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $440,726 | $953,736 |
| Median Household Income | $67,540 | $99,413 |
| Average Commute | 22.7 min | 26.7 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 33 |
| Crime Level | 14.6 | 6.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 115 | 166 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+2.0 | D+16.8 |
D+
67.1 Score
Salem, OR
Mid-size Oregon city with community character
Median Home
$440,726
Population
177,432
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
42
Pacific
View Salem, OR →
D-
62.2 Score
San Marcos, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$953,736
Population
94,188
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
33
Pacific
View San Marcos, CA →