2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Rancho Santa Fe, CA vs Santa Barbara, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Rancho Santa Fe?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 8.9 years younger than in Rancho Santa Fe.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Rancho Santa Fe?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 57.8% less expensive than Rancho Santa Fe housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Rancho Santa Fe?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 8.6 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Rancho Santa Fe.

Things to do in Rancho Santa Fe?
Living in Rancho Santa Fe, CA is a true luxury. This affluent community has stunning views of rolling hills and lush vegetation, providing its residents with a tranquil yet exciting environment. The area is incredibly well connected, with access to excellent shopping, dining, entertainment and educational opportunities. Residents can take advantage of the two championship golf courses within the town boundaries or explore the nearby beaches, parks and nature trails. With its moderate climate and low crime rate, Rancho Santa Fe offers an idyllic lifestyle for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life without sacrificing convenience.

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.

 Rancho Santa Fe, CASanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$196,500  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$3,611,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time25.71  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Rancho Santa Fe    1 Reviews

Over 13 years ago

very expensive and housing values  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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