2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Pasadena, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Pasadena?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 10.1 years younger than in Pasadena.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Pasadena?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 24.1% more expensive than Pasadena housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Pasadena?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 4.6 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Pasadena.

Things to do in Pasadena?
Pasadena, California is a vibrant city located in Los Angeles County. This welcoming community offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the stunning Norton Simon Museum of Art or one of many popular restaurants. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at the Rose Bowl and Old Town Pasadena. With its excellent school system, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Pasadena their home.

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.

 Pasadena, CASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$89,661  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,023,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time28.09  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Pasadena    19 Reviews

Pasadena is a little slice of the world in the foothills above the San Gabriel Valley. It has everything you could want. Check out my video on the cost of living in  More

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Over 10 years ago

The weather in Pasadena, CA is rather pleasant. It does not get cold here, it used to be around the first two weeks of December it could go down to 32-28 F, only a few  More

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Over 11 years ago

Great place to live for all ages and enjoy mostly sunny  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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