2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Nevada City, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Nevada City?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 30.2 years younger than in Nevada City.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Nevada City?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 146.9% more expensive than Nevada City housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Nevada City?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 1.1 minutes shorter 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 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.

 Nevada City, CASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$53,534  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$514,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%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 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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Cruz


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.