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

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Monica older or younger than people in Madison?
- The Median Age in Santa Monica is 9.9 years older than in Madison.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Monica or Madison?
- Santa Monica housing costs are 390.9% more expensive than Madison housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Monica or Madison?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Monica is 6.8 minutes longer 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 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!

 Madison, WISanta Monica, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock92,828329,725,481
 Median Income$70,466  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock41.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$337,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.9%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

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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

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Lacks balance and zero accountability.   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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