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

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 10.1 years younger than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Santa Barbara?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 16.7% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 6.3 minutes longer than it is for residents of Santa Barbara.

Things to do in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara, California has something for everyone - from fantastic beaches to world-class shopping and dining experiences. Visitors can explore Old Mission Santa Barbara or take part in various water activities around Stearns Wharf.

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.

 Santa Barbara, CASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population89,13262,714329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243$96,217$69,021
 Median Age39.12938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500$1,270,800$338,100
 Unemployment Rate4.1%4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.1523.4526.38

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Reviews for Santa Barbara    51 Reviews

I moved to Santa Barbara around 23 years ago to study at Brooks, which like most of the Santa Barbara that I knew—has been destroyed. Homelessness, drugs, gangs, high  More

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Over 3 years ago

I fell in love with Santa Barbara about thirty years ago and finally moved here a few years ago. Because of the price of homes, it is an expensive place to live. The  More

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If you like high crime, paying a $4,500 a month mortgage and crazy high taxes, this is the place for you. It’s too bad because it wasn’t always like this. When I moved  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 SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA
93101 93105 93103 93110 93109
ZIPS IN SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
95060 95064

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