San Marcos, CA 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.
San Marcos
62.2
#1870 nationally
Torrance
64.2
#1714 nationally
Torrance leads in walk score (67 vs 33). San Marcos leads in crime level (6.1 vs 8.5). San Marcos leads in cost of living index (166 vs 195).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | San Marcos, CA | Torrance, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 62.2 (#1870) | 64.2 (#1714) |
| Population | 94,188 | 139,224 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $953,736 | $1,117,906 |
| Median Household Income | $99,413 | $109,554 |
| Average Commute | 26.7 min | 27.8 min |
| Walk Score | 33 | 67 |
| Crime Level | 6.1 | 8.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 166 | 195 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+16.8 | D+32.9 |
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 →
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 →
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