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

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Rancho Santa Margarita?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 10.7 years younger than in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Rancho Santa Margarita?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 47.2% more expensive than Rancho Santa Margarita housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Rancho Santa Margarita?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 6.6 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 Cruz?
Santa Cruz, California is an incredible city located in the heart of the Monterey Bay area. This beautiful city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the stunning natural beaches or the charming downtown area. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park, and Seymour Marine Discovery Center. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Santa Cruz their home.

 Rancho Santa Margarita, CASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$135,350  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$863,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%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 Cruz    44 Reviews

I lived in the Santa Cruz area for 20 years. UCSC alum. Our kids were born there. There are wonderful things about Santa Cruz, but also many serious problems that we  More

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Over 5 years ago

I have been here for four generations! My kids are the fifth. I guess that should tell you how wonderful it is here, at least for us. It's so cool to have world class  More

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I was born over the hill in San Jose area, and as a kid I loved coming over to the boardwalk. Santa Cruz has always been and always will be a town of diversity,  More

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