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

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Payson?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 30.1 years younger than in Payson.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Payson?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 217.7% more expensive than Payson housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Payson?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 4.7 minutes longer 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 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.

 Payson, AZSanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$58,109  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$400,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%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 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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