Salisbury, NC 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.
Salisbury
66.6
#1526 nationally
San Marcos
62.2
#1870 nationally
San Marcos leads in crime level (6.1 vs 26.3). San Marcos leads in median household income ($99,413 vs $48,888). Salisbury leads in cost of living index (94 vs 166).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Salisbury, NC | San Marcos, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.6 (#1526) | 62.2 (#1870) |
| Population | 36,319 | 94,188 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $284,346 | $953,736 |
| Median Household Income | $48,888 | $99,413 |
| Average Commute | 21.8 min | 26.7 min |
| Walk Score | 27 | 33 |
| Crime Level | 26.3 | 6.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 166 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+35.9 | D+16.8 |
D
66.6 Score
Salisbury, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$284,346
Population
36,319
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
27
Southeast
View Salisbury, NC →
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 →
Try a different matchup
Swap Salisbury for: