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

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Atascadero?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 11.0 years younger than in Atascadero.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Atascadero?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 82.5% more expensive than Atascadero housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Atascadero?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 0.5 minutes longer 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 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.

 Atascadero, CASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$82,777  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$696,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%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 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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