2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Kapaa, HI vs Santa Cruz, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Kapaa?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 15.6 years younger than in Kapaa.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Kapaa?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 48.8% more expensive than Kapaa housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Kapaa?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 3.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Kapaa.

Things to do in Kapaa?
Located on the east side of Kauai Island within Hawaii's famous Garden Isle Kapaa is widely considered one of the best tourist destination spots due its variety of tropical beaches , lush rain forests , favorite surf spots and best Hawaiian poke places found all around town .

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.

 Kapaa, HISanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$94,457  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$854,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time26.78  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Kapaa    4 Reviews

I have lived on Kaua'i, Hawai'i for about two years now, with about 20 years of prior vacationing (up to 1 month). Living here is much different than vacationing here,  More

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Over 7 years ago

My wife and I had the pleasure of visiting Kapaa in July of 2017. As tourists we found it a wonderful place. There were ample places to eat and shop for souvenirs.   More

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Over 8 years ago

For many, Kapaa is considered middle of the island in a way. Whether you are going North or going South, Kapaa seems to be a great midway point. There are tons of  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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