2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Apex, NC vs Santa Barbara, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Apex?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 2.8 years older than in Apex.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Apex?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 171.3% more expensive than Apex housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Apex?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 7.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Apex.

Things to do in Apex?
Apex, North Carolina is the charming and historic town located in Wake County. Apex has a vibrant downtown filled with unique shops, restaurants and coffeehouses, giving residents plenty to do on a weekend or evening. The city also offers a variety of outdoor activities for families to enjoy together, from nature trails to parks and recreation centers. Additionally, Apex has excellent schools ranging from pre-Kindergarten through college prep courses, giving parents peace of mind when it comes to their children's education. With its quaint charm and exciting activities, Apex is an ideal place to call home!

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.

 Apex, NCSanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$121,313  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$562,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time24.91  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Apex    11 Reviews

We moved here from western NY last year. It was hard to leave a solid school system, a house almost paid for, with a yard, and NO HOA. However, jobs were just not there  More

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Over 11 years ago

My introduction to Apex, NC came in July 2009 I was on my way to Florida. On the third day, plans changed due to friend's vehicle malfunction. I stayed in Apex for 9  More

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Over 14 years ago

Apex has a small town atmosphere, but is convenient to the Research Triangle area of North  More

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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 4 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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