2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Salem, MA vs Santa Cruz, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Salem?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 8.6 years younger than in Salem.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Salem?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 151.2% more expensive than Salem housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Salem?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 6.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Salem.

Things to do in Salem?
Salem, Massachusetts is situated in Essex county and gives residents plenty of culture attractions from Salem Witch Museum to House Of Seven Gables Museum Store along with various restaurants like Flying Saucer Pizza Company

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.

 Salem, MASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$72,884  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$505,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.3  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Salem    4 Reviews

I've been in Salem, Massachusetts for a year now because it brought me up here for my husband's job. Salem may be a great place to visit during Halloween but other  More

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Over 12 years ago

My husband and I move to Salem, MA from Long Island NY five years ago and we love it! We kept on visiting for Halloween and we just decided to move here for the hell of  More

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Over 18 years ago

We are family friendly, albeit strange. We celebrate Halloween for a month. Check out the Haunted Happenings  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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