2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Austin, TX vs Santa Barbara, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Austin?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 5.2 years older than in Austin.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Austin?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 164.2% more expensive than Austin housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Austin?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 7.0 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Austin.

Things to do in Austin?
Austin, Texas is a vibrant city known for its eclectic culture, delicious food, and outdoor activities. Home to world renowned music venues like the Moody Theater and the Cactus Café, visitors can explore a wide range of genres such as country, rock and roll, blues, jazz, funk and more. The city also offers a plethora of unique restaurants featuring everything from traditional Tex-Mex dishes to innovative gastronomy creations. Nature lovers will find plenty to do with Austin's network of trails perfect for hiking and biking. With its creative spirit and endless opportunities to explore - Austin is a great place for any traveler looking for an unforgettable adventure!

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.

 Austin, TXSanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$78,965  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$577,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time24.11  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Austin    449 Reviews

Over 1 years ago

Good place to visit.  More

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Austin is too expensive. Let's get that out of the way. Other than that it is a fun city. Ladybird Lake makes the city, imo. The ability to stand up paddle, kayak, walk  More

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The city continues to grow quickly, which a lot of people don't like. I get it, you fall in love with a city, and it's growing so fast that you don't recognize the same  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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