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

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Harlingen?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 2.8 years younger than in Harlingen.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Harlingen?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 674.9% more expensive than Harlingen housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Harlingen?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 6.7 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 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.

 Harlingen, TXSanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$46,507  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$164,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%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 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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