2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Lafayette, CA vs Santa Monica, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Monica older or younger than people in Lafayette?
- The Median Age in Santa Monica is 3.4 years younger than in Lafayette.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Monica or Lafayette?
- Santa Monica housing costs are 6.3% less expensive than Lafayette housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Monica or Lafayette?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Monica is 5.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Lafayette.

Things to do in Lafayette?
Lafayette, California is an affluent suburban community located in the San Francisco Bay Area. The city offers a variety of shopping and recreation opportunities, including historic landmarks, scenic parks and trails, world-class golf courses, and more. With easy access to major highways and transportation options like BART, Lafayette is the perfect place for commuters. Its vibrant downtown area hosts numerous restaurants and entertainment venues that make it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for culture or natural beauty, Lafayette provides plenty of options to explore.

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!

 Lafayette, CASanta Monica, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock92,828329,725,481
 Median Income$192,546  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock41.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,767,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time31.46  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Lafayette    4 Reviews

Over 15 years ago

Living in Lafayette is wonderful, if you can afford it! The rolling hills, the great schools and the climate make this a great place to  More

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Great place to raise kids, nice restaurants and some good stores. A bit sparse on things like theaters etc. Weather in Summer is HOT HOT HOT. Bring sunblock and  More

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Over 19 years ago

Summers are too cool due to marine  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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