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2024 Compare Cities Overview:
Salinas, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Salinas?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 2.3 years younger than in Salinas.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Salinas?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 91.0% more expensive than Salinas housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Salinas?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 0.3 minutes longer than it is for residents of Salinas.

Things to do in Salinas?
Salinas, California is a vibrant city located in the heart of Monterey County. Home to many outdoor attractions such as Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge and Toro Regional Park, visitors can explore nature at its finest when visiting Salinas. There are also plenty of cultural attractions including galleries and museums. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Salinas has something for everyone!

Things to do in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz, California is an incredible city located in the heart of the Monterey Bay area. This beautiful city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the stunning natural beaches or the charming downtown area. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park, and Seymour Marine Discovery Center. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Santa Cruz their home.

 Salinas, CASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population163,00462,714329,725,481
 Median Income$75,747$96,217$69,021
 Median Age31.32938.4
 Avg. Home Price$665,400$1,270,800$338,100
 Unemployment Rate14.3%4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.1923.4526.38

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Reviews for Salinas    15 Reviews

Over 10 years ago

Sacred Heart School is a fine Catholic school in the heart of Salinas, Ca. Victoria Torcolini was principal of this PK-8 school from 2006-2009. Under her leadership, SHS  More

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Over 12 years ago

I Was born and raise in salinas. In 2006 my family moved to the central valley. I moved back to salinas in 2011. I moved back Because I got a better job in Carmel. I  More

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Salinas, California has some of the best weather in Central California. I love looking out at the mountain ranges that line the Salinas River Valley. It's a shame that  More

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Reviews for Santa Cruz    44 Reviews

I lived in the Santa Cruz area for 20 years. UCSC alum. Our kids were born there. There are wonderful things about Santa Cruz, but also many serious problems that we  More

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Over 4 years ago

I have been here for four generations! My kids are the fifth. I guess that should tell you how wonderful it is here, at least for us. It's so cool to have world class  More

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I was born over the hill in San Jose area, and as a kid I loved coming over to the boardwalk. Santa Cruz has always been and always will be a town of diversity,  More

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ZIPS IN SALINAS, CALIFORNIA
93906 93905 93901
ZIPS IN SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
95060 95064

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