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

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Rancho Santa Margarita?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 0.6 years younger than in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Rancho Santa Margarita?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 76.7% more expensive than Rancho Santa Margarita housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Rancho Santa Margarita?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 12.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Rancho Santa Margarita.

Things to do in Rancho Santa Margarita?
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA resides within Orange County’s metropolitan limits providing direct access attractions events that take place surrounding area due its prime location as well population size close 48 thousand people makes perfect spot anyone looking exciting city life without having live too far from Los Angeles other Southern California cities!

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 Margarita, CASanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$135,350  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$863,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.09  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Rancho Santa Margarita    13 Reviews

This page provides little information on RSM. I see they keep describing the area as "outside of Los Angeles." Culturally, it is so far from Los Angeles (I lived in LA,  More

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Over 10 years ago

The weather here is amazing. We get a few hot days in the summer but it cools down in the evening. I love being able to sleep with the windows  More

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This is the best place to live in South Orange County with mild temperatures, low crime, great schools and family orientated. RSM is a city that sits in a pocket backing  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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