2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Altoona, IA vs Santa Cruz, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Altoona?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 7.2 years younger than in Altoona.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Altoona?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 358.9% more expensive than Altoona housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Altoona?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 2.3 minutes longer than it is for residents of Altoona.

Things to do in Altoona?
Altoona, IA is an inviting town northeast of Des Moines full of amazing places to explore like Adventureland Park presenting its distinctive landscape or Ewing Park hosting outdoor activities; their annual event Altoona Days brings people together with food and games every August.

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.

 Altoona, IASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$83,514  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$276,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.2  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Altoona    0 Reviews

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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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