2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Monterey, CA vs Santa Barbara, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Monterey?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 1.7 years older than in Monterey.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Monterey?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 49.3% more expensive than Monterey housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Monterey?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 1.9 minutes longer than it is for residents of Monterey.

Things to do in Monterey?
Monterey, CA is an iconic beach city located on the Monterey Peninsula of California's central coast. This picturesque coastal community offers stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, fabulous restaurants and galleries, plus numerous other recreational activities.

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.

 Monterey, CASanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$85,365  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,022,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.25  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Monterey    21 Reviews

Over 8 years ago

The Monterey city area is an excellent place to live and one of the few California locales where it's relatively safe to raise a family. If I could no longer live here I  More

   |    Reply

I grew up on the Monterey Peninsula and had to leave to climb out of poverty. The median income is $35,000 and outside of the military, the jobs are mostly service  More

   |    Reply

My husband and I are just crazy about Monterey. I wonder if we take housing expenses (mortgage or rent) out of the picture, is Monterey still a very expensive city to  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Monterey

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.