2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Santa Cruz, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Fort Lauderdale?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 13.9 years younger than in Fort Lauderdale.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Fort Lauderdale?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 143.9% more expensive than Fort Lauderdale housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Fort Lauderdale?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 3.0 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Fort Lauderdale.

Things to do in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is an exciting destination, boasting beautiful beaches and plenty of attractions. Visitors can explore the Everglades National Park or take a boat ride through Intracoastal Waterway. There's something for everyone - from stunning art galleries and museums to trendy restaurants and nightlife spots. For those who prefer outdoors activities, there's always fishing, surfing, kayaking or paddle boarding nearby. With so much to do and see, Fort Lauderdale makes for an unforgettable experience!

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.

 Fort Lauderdale, FLSanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$66,994  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$521,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time26.43  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Fort Lauderdale    64 Reviews

Fort Lauderdale and South Florida are eclectic, which makes for a tough adjustment if you're from a homogenous area. The secret is to find the location of all the things  More

   |    Reply

Like any city, Fort Lauderdale has it's good points and it's bad. On the good side you can't beat the weather here, especially October to June. No snow and no winter  More

   |    Reply

Over 10 years ago

My husband I are are from Illinois and Indiana. We moved here five years ago and we still HATE it! In the Midwest people are friendly and care about others. I can't  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Fort Lauderdale

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Cruz


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.