2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Payson, AZ vs Santa Barbara, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Payson?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 20.0 years younger than in Payson.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Payson?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 281.4% more expensive than Payson housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Payson?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 1.6 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Payson.

Things to do in Payson?
Payson, AZ is an incorporated town located in Gila County with a population of around fifteen thousand people. Payson offers plenty of outdoor activities perfect for anyone looking to explore nature through hiking trails or fishing at the local rodeo pond! Additionally there are many stores, eateries, and entertainment spots available offering its community something fun to do all year round.

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.

 Payson, AZSanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$58,109  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$400,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time18.73  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Payson    15 Reviews

We have lived in Payson for over 5 years and love it. It has two large grocery stores, a Walmart, Home Depot, a dozen thrift/ treasure shops, more local shops than we  More

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Over 6 years ago

Payson is a wonderful town especially for retired people and people that want a slower pace... Lots of outdoor activities  More

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Over 6 years ago

I've lived in Payson for 25 years, thank god I worked out of town. There is a saying GO TO PAYSON ON VACATION GO HOME ON PROBATION TURN IN THREE YOU GO  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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