2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Grand Rapids, MI vs Santa Barbara, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Grand Rapids?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 7.6 years older than in Grand Rapids.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Grand Rapids?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 515.4% more expensive than Grand Rapids housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Grand Rapids?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 2.2 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Grand Rapids.

Things to do in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids, Michigan is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for everyone. Nature lovers can explore the banks of the Grand River or take a walk through one of the city's beautiful parks. History buffs should check out sites like the Gerald R. Ford Museum to learn more about Grand Rapids' past. Sports fans can catch a game at DeVos Place, while foodies can sample all kinds of delicious eats throughout town. Shopping lovers should head to The Shops at Centerpointe or Woodland Mall for good deals on all kinds of items. With its lively atmosphere and exciting activities, Grand Rapids is an amazing destination!

Things to do in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara, California has something for everyone - from fantastic beaches to world-class shopping and dining experiences. Visitors can explore Old Mission Santa Barbara or take part in various water activities around Stearns Wharf.

 Grand Rapids, MISanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$55,385  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$247,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.35  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Grand Rapids    62 Reviews

I've lived in Grand Rapids about 85% of my life and can confidently say it is a great place to live for anyone. I know countless people who dogged the city, moved  More

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Grand Rapids proper - the small city - is fairly OK. Nothing special stands out about it when judged against the nicer areas of the US, but it has some decent dining and  More

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Wow. “bland Rapids and everyone is Smug, uptight and part of the Christian Reformed Church. “ Someone is accurately describing Grand Rapids in 1985. Much has changed  More

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Reviews for Santa Barbara    51 Reviews

I moved to Santa Barbara around 23 years ago to study at Brooks, which like most of the Santa Barbara that I knew—has been destroyed. Homelessness, drugs, gangs, high  More

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Over 4 years ago

I fell in love with Santa Barbara about thirty years ago and finally moved here a few years ago. Because of the price of homes, it is an expensive place to live. The  More

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If you like high crime, paying a $4,500 a month mortgage and crazy high taxes, this is the place for you. It’s too bad because it wasn’t always like this. When I moved  More

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