2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Orono, MN vs Santa Cruz, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Orono?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 16.4 years younger than in Orono.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Orono?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 34.3% more expensive than Orono housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Orono?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 3.2 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Orono.

Things to do in Orono?
Orono, MN is a small town located close to the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. It is known for its tight-knit community, excellent school system, and beautiful parks and nature reserves. Residents enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that Orono provides with its low crime rate and quiet neighborhoods. The local shops offer unique products that make living in Orono even more special, ranging from fresh produce to handmade crafts. With plenty of outdoor activities to do year-round, such as camping and canoeing at Lake Minnetonka or biking along scenic trails, there is no shortage of things to do in this charming town.

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.

 Orono, MNSanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$159,816  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$945,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time26.61  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Orono    1 Reviews

Orono is a nice place to live, especially for families with children. First, the schools (k-12) are really good. It is hard for your child to get lost in the shuffle  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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