2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Rapid City, SD vs Santa Barbara, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Rapid City?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 1.0 years older than in Rapid City.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Rapid City?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 421.5% more expensive than Rapid City housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Rapid City?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 1.5 minutes longer than it is for residents of Rapid City.

Things to do in Rapid City?
Rapid City, South Dakota is a vibrant city located in the southwestern corner of the United States. Home to attractions such as Bear Country USA and Reptile Gardens, visitors can explore outdoor activities and historical sites when visiting Rapid City. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as The Journey Museum & Learning Center and Art Alley. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Rapid City 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.

 Rapid City, SDSanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$58,072  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$292,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.68  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Rapid City    31 Reviews

I have lived in this city for the last three and half years and I can't stand it!! Let me spell it out for you, but to be fair, let me give you the Pros first:  More

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Unless you made your pension out of state or already bought a home you can't afford to liver there. Rapid City is gray in winter.  More

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Over 4 years ago

I've lived in the city 5 years a loved  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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