2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Alameda, CA vs Petaluma, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Petaluma older or younger than people in Alameda?
- The Median Age in Petaluma is 2.2 years older than in Alameda.

Are housing costs cheaper in Petaluma or Alameda?
- Petaluma housing costs are 28.8% less expensive than Alameda housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Petaluma or Alameda?
- The average commute for residents of Petaluma is 2.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Alameda.

Things to do in Alameda?
Alameda, California provides locals and visitors with plenty of attractions ranging from USS Hornet Museum Ship to shopping on Webster street.

Things to do in Petaluma?
Petaluma, California is a charming city located in Sonoma County, approximately 52 miles north of San Francisco. The city was first settled by Europeans in the 1850s and is known today for its historic downtown area full of antique stores, restaurants and specialty shops. Petaluma has something for everyone with its unique shops, farms, vineyards, ranches, community events and scenic hikes. It has become an increasingly popular destination due to its laid-back atmosphere and close proximity to wine country and the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation or a romantic getaway, Petaluma awaits!

 Alameda, CAPetaluma, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock60,050329,725,481
 Median Income$113,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,179,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time32.97  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Alameda    6 Reviews

Over 7 years ago

Having been born here & 70 now I have watched firsthand, a small, quiet town ruined by excessive building, overcrowding and far too many restaurants for a city this  More

   |    Reply

Enjoy the immense benefit to having a close-knit community with main-street USA feel less than 10 miles from the resources of several urban and education  More

   |    Reply

Alameda, CA is a unique town here in the Bay Area. Perhaps because it is an island, or perhaps because for many decades it was a U.S. Army base, the city has never  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Alameda

Reviews for Petaluma    16 Reviews

I agree with the low star reviews. Been here for 25 years, raised a family and seen everything turn to the left and worse. Weather is glorious, love the old Victorians  More

   |    Reply

We’ve lived here for 3 years and we love it. It has taken some time to grow on us. We moved from SF where we had lived over 15 years, we were not used to one year leases  More

   |    Reply

I’ve lived here a couple of years (after living in others parts of the Bay Area for 15+ years) and I love it! Great neighborhoods, friendly folks, good schools with  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Petaluma


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.