2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Charlottesville, VA vs Santa Barbara, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Charlottesville?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 6.6 years older than in Charlottesville.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Charlottesville?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 255.3% more expensive than Charlottesville housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Charlottesville?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 0.6 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Charlottesville.

Things to do in Charlottesville?
Charlottesville, Virginia lies between Richmond & Washington D.C., making it an ideal spot for those who want access to urban life without actually living in a big city environment. Home to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate, Charlottesville boasts gorgeous architecture plus numerous wineries & eateries where you can sample some amazing local cuisine. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound here too: take your pick from hikes through beautiful mountain trails or canoeing down Big Run Creek - both will leave you with lasting memories!

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.

 Charlottesville, VASanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$63,470  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$429,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.78  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Charlottesville    44 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

I have lived in Charlottesville, Albemarle County for 25 years. It USED to be a decent place but in the past 10 years has gone downhill. Rent is TOO high, landlords are  More

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Over 4 years ago

Loved here for 7 years, lots of parks and close proximity to Shenandoah, but that’s where the positives end. High cost of living with extreme income inequality,  More

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Over 4 years ago

Charlottesville resident for 7 years. Plenty of parks, the Rivanna River and trail, and a short drive to Shenandoah National Park means plenty of opportunities for  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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