2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Fresno, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Fresno?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 2.7 years younger than in Fresno.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Fresno?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 253.3% more expensive than Fresno housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Fresno?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 1.8 minutes longer than it is for residents of Fresno.

Things to do in Fresno?
Fresno, California is a great destination for adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts alike. Spend the day exploring the Forestiere Underground Gardens or pay a visit to nearby Millerton Lake. Enjoy some shopping and dining in Old Town Clovis or take in some of the city's art and culture with a trip to the Fresno Art Museum. For those looking for outdoor recreation, Woodward Park offers bike trails, camping sites, and disc golf courses. Whether you're looking for unique attractions or just an escape from city life, Fresno has something for everyone!

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.

 Fresno, CASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$57,211  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$359,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.62  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Fresno    77 Reviews

I'm not gonna say this city is terrible, but it certainly has many issues that need to be taken care of and unfortunately the city council has done a poor job keeping up  More

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I've lived in Fresno my entire life and when I became an adult, I began to realize how much being a resident here really sucks, it might be cheaper than most other  More

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Lived here since 2002. I may be flamed for this, but.. total dump and I would rate 0 stars if I could. You only really move here to move out. As good as a gas stop.  More

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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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