2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Menlo Park, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Menlo Park?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 9.4 years younger than in Menlo Park.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Menlo Park?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 48.7% less expensive than Menlo Park housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Menlo Park?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 1.6 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Menlo Park.

Things to do in Menlo Park?
Menlo Park, CA is known for being one of Silicon Valley's most innovative cities due to its phenomenal growth in business communities over the decades. Located only 30 minutes from San Francisco Bay Area beaches, it provides ample recreational activities like kayaking or sail boating plus plenty of shopping options thanks to its unique boutiques and diverse culture

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.

 Menlo Park, CASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$179,913  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$2,476,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time25.05  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Menlo Park    5 Reviews

Over 10 years ago

Cost of living is beyond absurdly  More

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Very nice. Good connection to San Francisco or San Jose or any city in between via Caltrain or bus. Weather can't be  More

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My 14mo daughter, wife and I live in Menlo Park, CA which is approximately half way between San Francisco and San Jose. To afford an upper middle class quality of life  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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