Salem, VA vs Torrance, 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
73.2
#778 nationally
Torrance
64.2
#1714 nationally
Torrance leads in walk score (67 vs 27). Salem leads in cost of living index (105 vs 195). Torrance leads in median household income ($109,554 vs $68,402).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Salem, VA | Torrance, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.2 (#778) | 64.2 (#1714) |
| Population | 25,600 | 139,224 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $312,662 | $1,117,906 |
| Median Household Income | $68,402 | $109,554 |
| Average Commute | 18.8 min | 27.8 min |
| Walk Score | 27 | 67 |
| Crime Level | 7.2 | 8.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 195 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+19.3 | D+32.9 |
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 →
D
64.2 Score
Torrance, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,117,906
Population
139,224
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
67
Pacific
View Torrance, CA →