2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Pismo Beach, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Pismo Beach?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 29.2 years younger than in Pismo Beach.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Pismo Beach?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 5.3% more expensive than Pismo Beach housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Pismo Beach?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 1.3 minutes longer than it is for residents of Pismo Beach.

Things to do in Pismo Beach?
Living in Pismo Beach, CA is an incredible experience. The area is known for its stunning coastline and seaside cliffs, providing mesmerizing views of the Pacific. It's also very close to a number of exciting attractions like Hearst Castle, Avila Beach, and Oceano Dunes. With so much to explore both on land and water, Pismo Beach offers something for everyone. It is also home to great restaurants and bars that serve up delicious local cuisine. Plus, the weather is almost always beautiful with plenty of sunshine to enjoy! Whether you’re looking for an outdoorsy adventure or simply a leisurely beachside stroll, Pismo Beach provides plenty of opportunities to make your stay memorable.

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.

 Pismo Beach, CASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$94,268  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,206,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.16  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Pismo Beach    4 Reviews

It's a nice town to visit - although very touristy. Clean air - and nice sand dunes nearby. A variety of housing - but expensive. Good for seafood. I would say  More

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It's still challenging to find a good job: Diablo Canyon Nuclear plant has announced it will be closing in 9 years, so many 6-figure incomes will be going along with the  More

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Over 9 years ago

Because of fires allowed in campsites each and everyday it is very smokey and hard to  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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