2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Atascadero, CA vs Santa Barbara, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Atascadero?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 0.9 years younger than in Atascadero.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Atascadero?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 119.0% more expensive than Atascadero housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Atascadero?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 5.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Atascadero.

Things to do in Atascadero?
Atascadero, CA is a charming city located along California’s Central Coast near San Luis Obispo. Home to Atascadero State Hospital - the city offers numerous attractions including beautiful beaches & wineries that help make this a wonderful place to call home or visit anytime throughout the year!

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.

 Atascadero, CASanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$82,777  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$696,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.92  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Atascadero    8 Reviews

Moved up here 20 years ago from coastal Southern California and we love it. Home prices are high, and wages do not keep pace, but that’s a problem for all of California.  More

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Over 9 years ago

Have lived on the Central Coast of California for many years, and the area is wonderful with a moderate Med climate and laid back lifestyle. Unfortunately as I near  More

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We moved to Atascadero in 2006 and at that time it was nice, low crime rate. Lots of places to eat and go out. BUT today 2015 is a lot different. The homeless have  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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