2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Harlingen, TX vs Santa Barbara, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Harlingen?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 7.3 years older than in Harlingen.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Harlingen?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 830.2% more expensive than Harlingen housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Harlingen?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 0.4 minutes longer than it is for residents of Harlingen.

Things to do in Harlingen?
Harlingen, Texas is an incredible city located in the Rio Grande Valley. This charming city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the historic Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge or the quaint Harlingen Arroyo Colorado. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Lago Vista Golf Course, Town Park and Recreation Center, and Resaca de la Palma State Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Harlingen their home.

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.

 Harlingen, TXSanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$46,507  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$164,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.79  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Harlingen    6 Reviews

Harlingen is a city that offers retirees the most bang for the buck! It is near enough to McAllen and Brownsville and all they offer. You get a wide variety of shopping  More

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This area of the state of Texas is bland to most people from the East and northeast. However the community has everything you need at a price you can afford. Dining out  More

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Over 8 years ago

Here is what you will not get in Harlingen: easy access to great museums and Michelin starred restaurants. However, there are things that counter it. 1) It is  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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