2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Houston, TX vs Santa Monica, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Monica older or younger than people in Houston?
- The Median Age in Santa Monica is 7.7 years older than in Houston.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Monica or Houston?
- Santa Monica housing costs are 568.4% more expensive than Houston housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Monica or Houston?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Monica is 0.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Houston.

Things to do in Houston?
Houston, Texas is a bustling city full of energy and opportunity. Boasting a diverse population, rich culture, world-class entertainment and endless adventures - Houston has something for everyone! From the awe inspiring views of downtown's skyline to the expansive bayous and swamps, there’s always something new to explore. With its rich food scene, vibrant nightlife and fascinating historical attractions - Houston is a truly unforgettable destination.

Things to do in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica, California is a vibrant beach city located in Los Angeles County. This popular destination offers something for everyone, from world-class shopping and dining to outdoor activities like surfing and biking along the beachside path. Cultural attractions like the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and the nearby Getty Villa make it easy to explore the area's history and art. Nightlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the countless bars, nightclubs, and lounges scattered throughout town. With its many attractions and activities, Santa Monica is sure to make your vacation unforgettable!

 Houston, TXSanta Monica, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock92,828329,725,481
 Median Income$56,019  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock41.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$247,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time27  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Houston    371 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

I moved to Houston from the San Francisco Bay area in 1991 after college but I have always had family here. Houston is not what you think of when you think of Texas  More

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Over 4 years ago

There's definitely lots of jobs/economic opportunity. It's quite racially diverse if that's your thing. Houston has awful urban sprawl. Expect awful traffic. Hot as hell  More

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Over 4 years ago

There's definitely lots of jobs/economic opportunity. It's quite racially diverse if that's your thing. Houston has awful urban sprawl. Expect awful traffic. Hot as hell  More

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Reviews for Santa Monica    24 Reviews

I moved here to Santa Monica over 10 years ago from Oklahoma City. I was surprised to see that Oklahoma City was ranked higher than Santa Monica on best places. I  More

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I've lived in Santa Monica for over 30 years. It's a Mediterranean climate--sunny and temperate when the rest of the country is under snow! I am walking distance to  More

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I have lived in this city for 4 decades, and it is never been worse than it is now. It is a dangerous disgusting hell hole. Between the crime, the homeless that are not  More

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