2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Madison, WI vs Santa Barbara, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Madison?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 7.6 years older than in Madison.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Madison?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 352.0% more expensive than Madison housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Madison?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 2.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Madison.

Things to do in Madison?
Madison, Wisconsin is a vibrant city with a unique mix of culture and history. Take a stroll through State Street and explore the city's many art galleries, bookstores and some of the best restaurants in the Midwest. Visit University of Wisconsin-Madison for some stunning architecture and inspiring scientific research, or take in an outdoor concert at Breese Stevens Field. With its beautiful lakeshore backdrop, lively farmers markets, and incredible cultural events,Madison is an ideal place to live and visit!

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.

 Madison, WISanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$70,466  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$337,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.43  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Madison    78 Reviews

Unfortunately, a number of these reviews are politically based. Madison remains the only shining star in Wisconsin’s economy. The economy is broadly based, with  More

   |    Reply

Have been living in Madison for almost 3 years. It’s very safe, ppl generally friendly and for a town of its size it has fair number of good restaurants and interesting  More

   |    Reply

Lacks balance and zero accountability.   More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Madison

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Barbara


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.