2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Half Moon Bay, CA vs Petaluma, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Petaluma older or younger than people in Half Moon Bay?
- The Median Age in Petaluma is 2.1 years younger than in Half Moon Bay.

Are housing costs cheaper in Petaluma or Half Moon Bay?
- Petaluma housing costs are 43.0% less expensive than Half Moon Bay housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Petaluma or Half Moon Bay?
- The average commute for residents of Petaluma is 0.3 minutes longer than it is for residents of Half Moon Bay.

Things to do in Half Moon Bay?
Half Moon Bay is an incorporated city located in San Mateo County, California offering plenty of attractions such as exploring its multiple trails ideal for biking or jogging plus nearby Mavericks Beach provides amazing views close by. There are also numerous shops and eateries providing unique itemsor delicious cuisine perfectfor anyone looking to have a meal out during their visit here!

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!

 Half Moon Bay, CAPetaluma, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock60,050329,725,481
 Median Income$137,346  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,472,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time29.86  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Half Moon Bay    3 Reviews

HMB has one of the best climates in the world. It also has some very good restaurants. You have the ocean on one side and scenic foothills to the east.It would be heaven  More

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Over 19 years ago

Rural coastal living in a great community close to San Francisco and Silicon  More

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Over 20 years ago

I lived in HMB for 17 years and loved (almost) every minute there. Beautiful hills to the east of the town and the Pacific ocean to the west. Close to San Francisco,  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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