Santa Maria, CA vs Santee, 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.
Santa Maria
63.3
#1783 nationally
Santee
63.4
#1773 nationally
Santee leads in crime level (7.0 vs 18.1). Santa Maria leads in walk score (52 vs 35). Santa Maria leads in average commute (22.1 min vs 28.6 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Santa Maria, CA | Santee, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.3 (#1783) | 63.4 (#1773) |
| Population | 109,987 | 59,478 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $668,983 | $795,105 |
| Median Household Income | $81,237 | $101,777 |
| Average Commute | 22.1 min | 28.6 min |
| Walk Score | 52 | 35 |
| Crime Level | 18.1 | 7.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 138 | 154 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+26.7 | D+16.8 |
D
63.3 Score
Santa Maria, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$668,983
Population
109,987
Crime
High
Walk Score
52
Pacific
View Santa Maria, CA →
D
63.4 Score
Santee, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$795,105
Population
59,478
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
35
Pacific
View Santee, CA →
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