2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Oro Valley, AZ vs Santa Cruz, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Oro Valley?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 24.9 years younger than in Oro Valley.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Oro Valley?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 166.8% more expensive than Oro Valley housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Oro Valley?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 5.1 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Oro Valley.

Things to do in Oro Valley?
Oro Valley, Arizona is located near Tucson making it perfect for those who look for thrill in Natural Bridge State Park Combined with some shopping spree at The Foothills Mall.

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.

 Oro Valley, AZSanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$92,548  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$476,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time28.53  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Oro Valley    5 Reviews

Some of these reviews are so inaccurate. Rentals for a 2-bedroom are closer to $1000/mo and up if you want to live in a safer neighborhood. People here are so intolerant  More

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Over 15 years ago

I have lived here in Oro Valley for 3.8 years -love it here. however lack of cultural diversity, water and the 100+ heat each day for 3 months a year means that i am  More

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I am a retiree from New York. I moved to Tucson two years ago. Now we are about to buy a home in Oro Valley, just north of Tucson. I love this area. The mountains  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 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

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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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