Let the numbers do the talking.
Davis, CA vs Santa Monica, CA
Davis, CA vs Santa Monica, CA: What the data shows
Davis, CA is in Davis, CA while Santa Monica, CA is in Santa Monica, CA — both in the same state. On home prices, Davis, CA is the more affordable option at $834,200 median — $909,600 less than Santa Monica, CA's $1,743,800. WYLT rates Davis, CA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Santa Monica, CA as “Hard pass” — a neighborhood WYLT does not recommend.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Davis, CA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Santa Monica, CA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Davis, CA has Low flood risk and Santa Monica, CA has Low flood risk.
Santa Monica, CA is the more walkable neighborhood. Davis, CA scores 23/100 (car-dependent) versus Santa Monica, CA's 81/100 (very walkable). For families weighing school quality, both neighborhoods have the same school rating — Davis, CA rates 5/10 and Santa Monica, CA rates 5/10.
| Category | Davis, CA | Santa Monica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Hard pass |
| Median Price | $834K ✓ Lower price | $1.74M |
| Median Rent | $2K ✓ Lower rent | $2K |
| Median Income | $69K | $90K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 23/100 | 81/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 32/100 | 56/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 70/100 | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 23 min | 22 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Best for | College StudentsFamilies with childrenRemote workers | High‑income professionalsStudents with strong budgetsRetirees looking for beach lifestyle |
Bottom line
Bottom line: If you can afford the high cost and value a walkable, beach lifestyle, Santa Monica is the clear choice, but it’s a hard pass for most. Davis offers more affordable housing, solid schools, and bike‑friendly streets, making it a solid “good for now” option for families, remote workers, and budget‑conscious buyers. Choose Santa Monica if budget is no issue, otherwise go with Davis for value and community.
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