2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Flagstaff, AZ vs Santa Barbara, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Flagstaff?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 13.3 years older than in Flagstaff.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Flagstaff?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 169.8% more expensive than Flagstaff housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Flagstaff?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 1.5 minutes longer than it is for residents of Flagstaff.

Things to do in Flagstaff?
Flagstaff, Arizona is a stunning city located in the Southwest region of the United States. Home to attractions such as Walnut Canyon National Monument and Lowell Observatory, visitors can explore outdoor activities and history when visiting Flagstaff. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as the Museum of Northern Arizona and Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Flagstaff has something for everyone!

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.

 Flagstaff, AZSanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$61,026  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$565,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.69  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Flagstaff    50 Reviews

Amber · 

Flagstaff is absolutely the perfect place to call home. Especially for families. 4 perfectly balanced seasons. None too extreme and all beautiful. Ridiculously safe!  More

   |    Reply

Leah · 

I've lived here for one year and have to move because the cost to rent here is astronomical. I've been paying $2550/month and now for a comparable home it is $2900 and  More

   |    Reply

Every place depends on what you are looking for. So I will say a bit about me so you can assess where the review is coming from. I am a professional, single, female  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Flagstaff

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.