2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Darrington, WA vs Santa Cruz, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Darrington?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 15.2 years younger than in Darrington.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Darrington?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 235.5% more expensive than Darrington housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Darrington?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 8.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Darrington.

Things to do in Darrington?
Living in Darrington, WA is a unique experience. It is a small rural community nestled in the foothills of the North Cascades and surrounded by lush evergreens. The town of about 1,200 people is an eclectic mix of farmers, artisans, outdoor enthusiasts, and local businesses. The community often hosts special events such as concerts in the park or outdoor movie screenings. With its close proximity to ski resorts, campgrounds, and national parks it’s easy to find plenty of things to do year-round. Darrington also has an abundance of local restaurants to explore so you can sample regional cuisine. Whether you're looking for a place for weekend getaways or a permanent home, living in Darrington will leave you with unforgettable memories and experiences.

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.

 Darrington, WASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$32,750  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$378,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time31.76  Unlock26.38
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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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