2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Natick, MA vs Santa Cruz, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Natick?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 13.3 years younger than in Natick.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Natick?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 82.2% more expensive than Natick housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Natick?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 9.1 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Natick.

Things to do in Natick?
Natick, Massachusetts is found in Middlesex County offering its citizens great recreational activities such as Cochituate State Park plus stores like Natick Mall and dining spots near SKYLINE BISTRO+LOUNGE.

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.

 Natick, MASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$122,914  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$697,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time32.55  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Natick    4 Reviews

I've lived in Natick since the summer of 2006. Here is my honest review. Pros: 1. We landed here for its proximity to Boston via the Commuter Rail, and right now  More

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Over 11 years ago

They have public transportation (a bus). And the city has two stops on the commuter rail to Boston. I like  More

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Over 16 years ago

Natick is a suburb of Boston, approximately 22 miles west. The public schools here are known for their high quality. The town itself is very family-oriented. I love  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 6 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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