2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Bethesda, MD vs Santa Barbara, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Bethesda?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 3.9 years younger than in Bethesda.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Bethesda?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 42.3% more expensive than Bethesda housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Bethesda?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 12.2 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Bethesda.

Things to do in Bethesda?
Bethesda, Maryland is an incredible city located just northwest of Washington D.C. This beautiful city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the stunning Glen Echo Park or the charming Cabin John Regional Park. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Acorn Urban Park, Little Falls Creek Stream Valley, and Capital Crescent Trail. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Bethesda their 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.

 Bethesda, MDSanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$178,370  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,072,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time29.3  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Bethesda    12 Reviews

Bethesda is awesome if you want to live near DC and in a relatively safe city that has few parking issues. Montgomery county has parking lots in downtown Bethesda and  More

   |    Reply

Amenities are plentiful, but costs continue to rise as do local and state taxes. Overall not a friendly place to  More

   |    Reply

Essentially an upscale suburb of Washington DC. Public transport is easy, there's plenty to do (though with none of the edginess of living closer in DC) and it's minutes  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Bethesda

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Barbara


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.