2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ridgecrest, CA vs Brea, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Brea older or younger than people in Ridgecrest?
- The Median Age in Brea is 3.7 years older than in Ridgecrest.

Are housing costs cheaper in Brea or Ridgecrest?
- Brea housing costs are 283.7% more expensive than Ridgecrest housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Brea or Ridgecrest?
- The average commute for residents of Brea is 10.0 minutes longer than it is for residents of Ridgecrest.

Things to do in Ridgecrest?
Located in the Indian Wells Valley of the Mojave Desert, Ridgecrest is a city in Kern County known for its rich cultural and recreational activities. With a population of over 27,000, this growing city offers attractions such as the desert landscape and nearby mountains, along with local events and recreation opportunities.

Things to do in Brea?
Brea, California is a city located in Orange County that has become known for its entertainment options including Downtown Brea's Main Street Promenade and Brea Mall Shopping Center.

 Ridgecrest, CABrea, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock46,912329,725,481
 Median Income$77,534  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$245,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.43  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Ridgecrest    7 Reviews

For context, I grew up in Ridgecrest and moved away after graduating high school. I have since lived in LA and the Bay Area but I visit RC often. RC is in the high  More

   |    Reply

Ridgecrest and Kern County are red state bastions in a land of blue voting counties. If you want a concealed weapons permit, you'll get it. Want to own any firearm  More

   |    Reply

Over 13 years ago

The hardest thing to get used to in Ridgecrest is the weather. It can get quite windy. And hot. 115 hot. But it's a dry heat! It does cool off in the evening, and it  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Ridgecrest

Reviews for Brea    10 Reviews

I have lived in Orange County and Los Angeles County for over 20 years. The cost of living has prompted 3 friends to move to the Central Valley, Oregon and Washington  More

   |    Reply

Over 12 years ago

I loved living here in Brea, CA for over 17 years. It is a great community. For being a small north Orange County city it has a lot to offer. Schools are really  More

   |    Reply

Great city in N. Orange County. Affordable with lots of  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Brea


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.