2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Newport Beach, CA vs Santa Barbara, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Newport Beach?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 9.1 years younger than in Newport Beach.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Newport Beach?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 43.2% less expensive than Newport Beach housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Newport Beach?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 7.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Newport Beach.

Things to do in Newport Beach?
Newport Beach, California is home to eight miles of breathtaking coastline and access to some of the best surfing spots on the west coast. The city also boasts numerous golf courses, parks, and beaches for visitors to explore.

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.

 Newport Beach, CASanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$142,463  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$2,684,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time25.02  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Newport Beach    21 Reviews

I've lived here since late 2014. It's pretty on the outside and ugly on the inside. The people are hyper conservative, aggressively competitive. It's all about money and  More

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Over 8 years ago

I love calling Newport Beach my home. Every time I return from travel, I can feel the stress leave my body the minute I see the Ocean. I sell real estate in Newport  More

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Over 10 years ago

I currently reside on Balboa Island in Newport Beach, Ca. I grew up in Newport on the peninsula point near the wedge. I still visit the wedge but going to that area in  More

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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

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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

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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

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