2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Grand Junction, CO vs Santa Cruz, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Grand Junction?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 10.4 years younger than in Grand Junction.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Grand Junction?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 240.1% more expensive than Grand Junction housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Grand Junction?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 7.1 minutes longer than it is for residents of Grand Junction.

Things to do in Grand Junction?
Grand Junction, Colorado is a vibrant city located in Mesa County. This bustling community offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the Cross Orchards Historic Site or one of many popular restaurants. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available in Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa National Forest, and James M Robb Colorado River State Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Grand Junction their home.

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.

 Grand Junction, COSanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$58,892  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$373,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.34  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Grand Junction    54 Reviews

Grand Junction is another one of those fast growing places due to its cheaper than average cost of living. However with each passing year, that once $600 a month one  More

   |    Reply

I’ve lived in Grand Junction for 18 years, but have been coming here (girlfriend, wife, family) since 1992. I think the biggest change or challenge for long time locals,  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

I've lived in Grand Junction for 14 months and it is a nice area, but very expensive to live. There is an ongoing housing crisis due to poor city planning and it has  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Grand Junction

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.