2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Portola Valley, CA vs Palo Alto, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Palo Alto older or younger than people in Portola Valley?
- The Median Age in Palo Alto is 13.8 years younger than in Portola Valley.

Are housing costs cheaper in Palo Alto or Portola Valley?
- Palo Alto housing costs are 19.4% less expensive than Portola Valley housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Palo Alto or Portola Valley?
- The average commute for residents of Palo Alto is 5.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Portola Valley.

Things to do in Portola Valley?
Living in Portola Valley, CA is a truly unique experience. This small town of around 4,500 people is nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounded by lush greenery and stunning natural beauty. The weather is generally sunny and mild all year round, making it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. With its easy access to San Francisco and Silicon Valley, residents have plenty of opportunities for work, leisure, and entertainment. The town itself is full of friendly people who are welcoming and supportive of newcomers to their community. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape from city life or an ideal place to raise a family, Portola Valley has something for everyone.

Things to do in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto, California is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley. Home to Stanford University and various tech giants such as Google, Apple, and Facebook, it has long been known as the epicenter for cutting-edge technology and innovative thinking. Residents here enjoy warm weather year round, excellent public schools, a thriving nightlife scene, plus vast amounts of green space perfect for hiking, biking or horseback riding. There's also no shortage of culture with world class museums and galleries showcasing some of the area’s most celebrated artworks. With its abundant resources and booming economy, Palo Alto truly offers something for everyone!

 Portola Valley, CAPalo Alto, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock68,624329,725,481
 Median Income$250,001  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock41.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$3,854,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.02  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Portola Valley    0 Reviews

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Reviews for Palo Alto    8 Reviews

The Bay Area in general, but Palo Alto specifically provides many of the qualities sought by many; the climate is beautiful, there is access to cultural and recreational  More

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Over 17 years ago

Very  More

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Over 18 years ago

VTA and SamsTrans and Caltrain all provide good service and most times frequency of service is  More

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