2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Boulder Creek, CA vs Santa Barbara, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Boulder Creek?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 7.4 years younger than in Boulder Creek.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Boulder Creek?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 103.6% more expensive than Boulder Creek housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Boulder Creek?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 19.6 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Boulder Creek.

Things to do in Boulder Creek?
Living in Boulder Creek, CA is a fantastic experience. It is a small town with a population of just over 3,000 people, but it has so much to offer. The climate here is mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities year-round. From hiking in the nearby redwoods to kayaking on the river, there's something for everyone. There are also great restaurants, cafes and shopping options as well as art galleries, local music events and festivals. The community is close knit and friendly, making it a great place to raise children or settle down and retire.

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.

 Boulder Creek, CASanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$101,207  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$749,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time36.79  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Boulder Creek    3 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

even with Prop 13 property taxes are high. My taxes have incresed from $1200 a year in 1990 to over $8000 a year now. Coffee is $1.50 a cup. Milk $3.50 a  More

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A wonderful place if you love the forest. Plenty of activities, camping,hiking,fishing and mountain dining. Very close to Santa Cruz beaches, restaurants, entertainment  More

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Over 18 years ago

Boulder Creek, CA is in the Santa Cruz mountains near San Jose, CA. It is a beautiful, woodsy mountain area with wonderful climate. It's hard to believe that the overly  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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