2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Portola Valley, CA vs Santa Barbara, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Portola Valley?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 16.5 years younger than in Portola Valley.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Portola Valley?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 60.4% less expensive than Portola Valley housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Portola Valley?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 12.9 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 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.

 Portola Valley, CASanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$250,001  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$3,854,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.02  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Portola Valley    0 Reviews

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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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