Surprise, AZ vs Watsonville, 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.
Surprise
71
#1038 nationally
Watsonville
63.3
#1786 nationally
Surprise leads in crime level (3.0 vs 10.9). Watsonville leads in walk score (69 vs 21). Surprise leads in cost of living index (115 vs 152).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Surprise, AZ | Watsonville, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 71 (#1038) | 63.3 (#1786) |
| Population | 158,285 | 50,867 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $419,342 | $828,739 |
| Median Household Income | $87,756 | $72,295 |
| Average Commute | 30.5 min | 26.3 min |
| Walk Score | 21 | 69 |
| Crime Level | 3.0 | 10.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 115 | 152 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+3.5 | D+54.4 |
C-
71 Score
Surprise, AZ
Mid-size Arizona city with community character
Median Home
$419,342
Population
158,285
Crime
Low
Walk Score
21
Southwest
View Surprise, AZ →
D
63.3 Score
Watsonville, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$828,739
Population
50,867
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
69
Pacific
View Watsonville, CA →
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