2025 Compare Cities Overview:
East Lansing, MI vs Santa Monica, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Santa Monica older or younger than people in East Lansing?
- The Median Age in Santa Monica is 20.0 years older than in East Lansing.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Monica or East Lansing?
- Santa Monica housing costs are 527.4% more expensive than East Lansing housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Monica or East Lansing?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Monica is 10.6 minutes longer than it is for residents of East Lansing.

Things to do in East Lansing?
East Lansing MI sits adjacent to Michigan State University’s sprawling campus making it an ideal place for students attending one largest universities in the country boasting more than 50 thousand undergraduate students alone giving East Lansing an estimated 48 thousand permanent residents that call it home throughout the year. Despite its mostly college atmosphere there are plenty more options available ranging from residential housing all around the area perfect suburban settings or urban apartments right on MSU campus itself allowing those to explore different lifestyle choices depending on preferences or budget limitations if any were present at all!

Things to do in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica, California is a vibrant beach city located in Los Angeles County. This popular destination offers something for everyone, from world-class shopping and dining to outdoor activities like surfing and biking along the beachside path. Cultural attractions like the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and the nearby Getty Villa make it easy to explore the area's history and art. Nightlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the countless bars, nightclubs, and lounges scattered throughout town. With its many attractions and activities, Santa Monica is sure to make your vacation unforgettable!

 East Lansing, MISanta Monica, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock92,828329,725,481
 Median Income$41,177  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock41.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$264,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.63  Unlock26.38
Reviews for East Lansing    4 Reviews

East Lansing is a wonderful, lively, youthful college town that has gotten better over time. You feel the strong Spartan Spirit everywhere as students, alumni and locals  More

   |    Reply

East Lansing is noted for being the home of one of the first Land Grant colleges -- Michigan State University. MSU has an large campus with an enormous area of land  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

East Lansing is a very pretty town. The town has had frequent problems with student rioters. Overall 60% of the town is composed of students. I would recommend East  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of East Lansing

Reviews for Santa Monica    24 Reviews

I moved here to Santa Monica over 10 years ago from Oklahoma City. I was surprised to see that Oklahoma City was ranked higher than Santa Monica on best places. I  More

   |    Reply

I've lived in Santa Monica for over 30 years. It's a Mediterranean climate--sunny and temperate when the rest of the country is under snow! I am walking distance to  More

   |    Reply

I have lived in this city for 4 decades, and it is never been worse than it is now. It is a dangerous disgusting hell hole. Between the crime, the homeless that are not  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Monica


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.