2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Northampton, MA vs Santa Cruz, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Northampton?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 12.0 years younger than in Northampton.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Northampton?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 215.8% more expensive than Northampton housing costs.

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

Things to do in Northampton?
Northampton, MA lies on the banks of the Connecticut River on beautiful Paradise Pond—known locally as “The Valley”—and provides access to hiking trails through Mount Tom State Reservation or kayaking down the river’s rapids in downtown Northampton State Park .

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.

 Northampton, MASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$72,687  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$402,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.55  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Northampton    6 Reviews

I was born in Northampton in the 1960"s and have lived other places but always came back to live here. My two children were born here too. What draws be back to  More

   |    Reply

The greater Northampton, MA area is generally a pretty good place to live, if you're interested in Western MA or southern New England in general. MA is more affordable  More

   |    Reply

Northampton is a very progressive, diverse, liberal small city where you will find so much to do in just the downtown area alone. Music, shopping, restaurants, bars,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Northampton

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.