2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Poway, CA vs Santa Barbara, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Poway?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 2.5 years younger than in Poway.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Poway?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 52.4% more expensive than Poway housing costs.

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

Things to do in Poway?
Poway, CA is a beautiful city located just north of San Diego in San Diego County. With its population of nearly 50,000 people and its elevated location, Poway enjoys great views of the surrounding areas and plenty of sunshine. The area is known for its wide open spaces, perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking or exploring the nearby Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. Poway also enjoys close proximity to all the amenities that San Diego has to offer, allowing easy access for shopping, dining and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful suburban atmosphere or want to explore the attractions offered in a big city, Poway is a great place to call home.

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.

 Poway, CASanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$119,847  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,000,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time25.12  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Poway    10 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Poway is a great place to live. People are friendly, neighbors watch out for each other. Great trails, beautiful views. Love to hear the birds. Family oriented. Yes  More

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Over 5 years ago

Moved here 37 years ago and love the birds singing in the morning, minimal traffic noise, and convenience to Carmel Mountain Ranch for shopping. Easy access to the  More

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I've lived here for 30 years. Back 30 years ago it was great. Small town, friendly people, etc. NOW Traffic is pretty bad but still better than most of SD county. I'm  More

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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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