Salinas, CA vs San Jose, 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.
Salinas
63.5
#1766 nationally
San Jose
63
#1807 nationally
San Jose leads in median household income ($142,891 vs $84,250). Salinas leads in cost of living index (149 vs 198). Salinas leads in average commute (25.9 min vs 28.4 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Salinas, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.5 (#1766) | 63 (#1807) |
| Population | 159,506 | 983,489 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $753,868 | $1,391,204 |
| Median Household Income | $84,250 | $142,891 |
| Average Commute | 25.9 min | 28.4 min |
| Walk Score | 55 | 51 |
| Crime Level | 14.4 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 7.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 149 | 198 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+29.9 | D+40.0 |
D
63.5 Score
Salinas, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$753,868
Population
159,506
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
55
Pacific
View Salinas, CA →
D
63 Score
San Jose, CA
Capital of Silicon Valley
Median Home
$1,391,204
Population
983,489
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Pacific
View San Jose, CA →