2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Petaluma, CA vs Barstow, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Barstow older or younger than people in Petaluma?
- The Median Age in Barstow is 12.2 years younger than in Petaluma.

Are housing costs cheaper in Barstow or Petaluma?
- Barstow housing costs are 70.6% less expensive than Petaluma housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Barstow or Petaluma?
- The average commute for residents of Barstow is 8.0 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Petaluma.

Things to do in Petaluma?
Petaluma, California is a charming city located in Sonoma County, approximately 52 miles north of San Francisco. The city was first settled by Europeans in the 1850s and is known today for its historic downtown area full of antique stores, restaurants and specialty shops. Petaluma has something for everyone with its unique shops, farms, vineyards, ranches, community events and scenic hikes. It has become an increasingly popular destination due to its laid-back atmosphere and close proximity to wine country and the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation or a romantic getaway, Petaluma awaits!

Things to do in Barstow?
Barstow is an incorporated city sitting within San Bernardino County, California featuring plenty of attractions such as exploring its multiple trails ideal for biking or jogging plus nearby Fort Irwin National Training Center provides amazing views close by. Additionally there are numerous locally owned stores and eateries providing unique items or delicious cuisine great for any budget during their stay here!

 Petaluma, CABarstow, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock25,123329,725,481
 Median Income$100,379  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock30.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$839,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.8%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.13  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Petaluma    16 Reviews

I agree with the low star reviews. Been here for 25 years, raised a family and seen everything turn to the left and worse. Weather is glorious, love the old Victorians  More

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We’ve lived here for 3 years and we love it. It has taken some time to grow on us. We moved from SF where we had lived over 15 years, we were not used to one year leases  More

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I’ve lived here a couple of years (after living in others parts of the Bay Area for 15+ years) and I love it! Great neighborhoods, friendly folks, good schools with  More

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Reviews for Barstow    14 Reviews

Mike · 

The positive of Barstow- yes there is something positive that can be said about Barstow. At least it's not as bad as South Lake Tahoe. The only reason it gets 2 stars  More

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Over 7 years ago

Just a place to travel thru. Cheap alternative to LA suburbs, about 70 miles or Palm Springs. It is in high Mojave desert, hot in the summer, 100-110, can get down  More

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Be careful is all I can say. I moved there with the focus to buy a home the investor Cliff Unegbu AKA Clifford Unegbu will rip off as many people as he can and use  More

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