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

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Highlights
Are people in Murrieta older or younger than people in Ridgecrest?
- The Median Age in Murrieta is 1.6 years younger than in Ridgecrest.

Are housing costs cheaper in Murrieta or Ridgecrest?
- Murrieta housing costs are 144.4% more expensive than Ridgecrest housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Murrieta or Ridgecrest?
- The average commute for residents of Murrieta is 12.7 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 Murrieta?
Murrieta, California is a picturesque city located in Riverside County. With year-round sunshine and mild temperatures, Murrieta provides the perfect environment to explore the great outdoors or simply relax. The city is home to some of the best shopping and dining options in the area as well as unique cultural attractions such as the Diamond Valley Lake Marine Preserve. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure or peaceful relaxation, Murrieta has something to offer everyone!

 Ridgecrest, CAMurrieta, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock111,096329,725,481
 Median Income$77,534  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock3538.4
 Avg. Home Price$245,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.0%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

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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

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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

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Reviews for Murrieta    39 Reviews

Paul · 
Over 2 years ago

Very expensive to rent here. Many apartments in Murrieta charge as much as $2,300 for a single bedroom. But this is California, so maybe it’s cheaper than LA or Orange  More

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I moved here for my wife's job. It's a cookie cutter middle class community that costs 2-3 times as much as Texas. Homes aren't custom. They are tract homes on small  More

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George · 

A great place to live and raise a family. It’s a quintessential bedroom community. Very safe. Violent crime is a rarity here. Property crime is very low here too.  More

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