2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Alameda, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Alameda?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 11.6 years younger than in Alameda.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Alameda?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 7.7% more expensive than Alameda housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Alameda?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 9.5 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 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.

 Alameda, CASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$113,339  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,179,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%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

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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

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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

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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 5 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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