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

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Monica older or younger than people in Menlo Park?
- The Median Age in Santa Monica is 3.0 years older than in Menlo Park.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Monica or Menlo Park?
- Santa Monica housing costs are 33.1% less expensive than Menlo Park housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Monica or Menlo Park?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Monica is 1.1 minutes longer 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 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!

 Menlo Park, CASanta Monica, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock92,828329,725,481
 Median Income$179,913  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock41.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$2,476,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.9%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 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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