2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Hilo, HI vs Santa Barbara, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Hilo?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 0.8 years younger than in Hilo.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Hilo?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 229.2% more expensive than Hilo housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Hilo?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 0.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Hilo.

Things to do in Hilo?
Hilo, Hawaii makes the perfect spot for anyone looking for water-related activities such as swimming at Richardson Ocean Park or exploring Lyman Museum & Mission House while also offering stunning views of Mauna Loa Volcano.

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.

 Hilo, HISanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$70,356  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$463,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.63  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Hilo    10 Reviews

If you’re looking at Hilo, then you’re likely being recruited in the medical or education fields. These are where the greatest needs of the community lie, and there are  More

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Over 4 years ago

I enjoyed living in Hawaii County for a number of years, most in Hilo. While Hilo has problems, they are few compared to mainland USA. I never experienced racism by  More

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Over 4 years ago

Too much racism from "native Hawaiians" who aren't actually natives. That keeps me from living in that paradise. I'm this is the "natives" goal.  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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