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

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Goleta?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 6.0 years younger than in Goleta.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Goleta?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 7.8% more expensive than Goleta housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Goleta?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 7.2 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 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.

 Goleta, CASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$104,830  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,178,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%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 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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