2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Redwood City, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Redwood City?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 8.0 years younger than in Redwood City.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Redwood City?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 21.1% less expensive than Redwood City housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Redwood City?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 1.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Redwood City.

Things to do in Redwood City?
Redwood City, California is located in the San Francisco Bay Area and provides plenty of shopping opportunities as well as access to some gorgeous nature parks like Edgewood Open Space Preserve.

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.

 Redwood City, CASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$134,287  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,610,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time25.32  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Redwood City    11 Reviews

(Caveating everything with "it's Bay Area prices") Redwood City is a large sprawling town where you can find just about anything you're looking for. There's great  More

   |    Reply

The entire Bay Area is ridiculous. You can't compare it to other areas. RWC is reasonably cheap for the area. I pay $5K for a rental townhouse in one of the many  More

   |    Reply

Lovely weather. Safe place to live (I live in Redwood Shores). The only thing that keeps this place from being 5 stars is the cost of housing. When you have to pay an  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Redwood City

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Cruz


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.