2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Goleta, CA vs Petaluma, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Petaluma older or younger than people in Goleta?
- The Median Age in Petaluma is 7.8 years older than in Goleta.

Are housing costs cheaper in Petaluma or Goleta?
- Petaluma housing costs are 28.8% less expensive than Goleta housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Petaluma or Goleta?
- The average commute for residents of Petaluma is 13.9 minutes longer than it is for residents of Goleta.

Things to do in Goleta?
Goleta CA can be found north Santa Barbara full of scenic routes perfect for bike rides such as Camino Cielo Loop showcasing some breathtaking views alongside private gardens, art galleries & wineries giving vacationers a chance to explore area's culture.

Things to do in Petaluma?
Petaluma, California is a charming city located in Sonoma County, approximately 52 miles north of San Francisco. The city was first settled by Europeans in the 1850s and is known today for its historic downtown area full of antique stores, restaurants and specialty shops. Petaluma has something for everyone with its unique shops, farms, vineyards, ranches, community events and scenic hikes. It has become an increasingly popular destination due to its laid-back atmosphere and close proximity to wine country and the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation or a romantic getaway, Petaluma awaits!

 Goleta, CAPetaluma, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock60,050329,725,481
 Median Income$104,830  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,178,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.27  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Goleta    2 Reviews

Lived in this area 2014-now (2022), Goleta for 4 years of that. Pros: *The climate is unbeatable, unless you enjoy being overly hot or cold, or snow sports which  More

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I live in Goleta and work part-time in Santa Barbara. I am semi-retired and have a decent income. Making wise choices of where to spend my income has always been  More

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Reviews for Petaluma    16 Reviews

I agree with the low star reviews. Been here for 25 years, raised a family and seen everything turn to the left and worse. Weather is glorious, love the old Victorians  More

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We’ve lived here for 3 years and we love it. It has taken some time to grow on us. We moved from SF where we had lived over 15 years, we were not used to one year leases  More

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I’ve lived here a couple of years (after living in others parts of the Bay Area for 15+ years) and I love it! Great neighborhoods, friendly folks, good schools with  More

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