2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Nevada City, CA vs Petaluma, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Petaluma older or younger than people in Nevada City?
- The Median Age in Petaluma is 16.4 years younger than in Nevada City.

Are housing costs cheaper in Petaluma or Nevada City?
- Petaluma housing costs are 63.2% more expensive than Nevada City housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Petaluma or Nevada City?
- The average commute for residents of Petaluma is 5.6 minutes longer than it is for residents of Nevada City.

Things to do in Nevada City?
Living in Nevada City, CA is an incredible experience. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountainous terrain and boasts a vibrant downtown area with boutique shops, restaurants, and galleries. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, from rafting down the South Yuba River to skiing at Boreal Mountain Resort. The town has a charm all its own, with its unique Victorian-style architecture, cobblestone streets, and quaint coffee shops lining the main street. Residents enjoy a laid-back lifestyle and easy access to outdoor activities throughout the year. It's the perfect place to relax, escape from everyday life and explore nature’s beauty.

Things to do in Petaluma?
Petaluma, California is a charming city located in Sonoma County, approximately 52 miles north of San Francisco. The city was first settled by Europeans in the 1850s and is known today for its historic downtown area full of antique stores, restaurants and specialty shops. Petaluma has something for everyone with its unique shops, farms, vineyards, ranches, community events and scenic hikes. It has become an increasingly popular destination due to its laid-back atmosphere and close proximity to wine country and the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation or a romantic getaway, Petaluma awaits!

 Nevada City, CAPetaluma, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock60,050329,725,481
 Median Income$53,534  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$514,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time24.5  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Nevada City    6 Reviews

Over 7 years ago

I lived in Y.C Ca for 14 yrs and Nevada City became my favorite town to visit. The restaurants are great, the night life is mellow but you get a variety of music...shoos  More

   |    Reply

We are seriously considering a move to Nevada City. I have a lot of questions about what it will be like for a liberal-minded family with a teenage son. Will he find  More

   |    Reply

Over 9 years ago

I have been coming here since I was a child. I am from the bay area, the town I grew up in was small and I met my husband there. We raised our children there. The  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Nevada City

Reviews for Petaluma    16 Reviews

I agree with the low star reviews. Been here for 25 years, raised a family and seen everything turn to the left and worse. Weather is glorious, love the old Victorians  More

   |    Reply

We’ve lived here for 3 years and we love it. It has taken some time to grow on us. We moved from SF where we had lived over 15 years, we were not used to one year leases  More

   |    Reply

I’ve lived here a couple of years (after living in others parts of the Bay Area for 15+ years) and I love it! Great neighborhoods, friendly folks, good schools with  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Petaluma


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.