2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Salinas, CA vs Monterey, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Monterey older or younger than people in Salinas?
- The Median Age in Monterey is 6.1 years older than in Salinas.

Are housing costs cheaper in Monterey or Salinas?
- Monterey housing costs are 53.6% more expensive than Salinas housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Monterey or Salinas?
- The average commute for residents of Monterey is 7.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Salinas.

Things to do in Salinas?
Salinas, California is a vibrant city located in the heart of Monterey County. Home to many outdoor attractions such as Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge and Toro Regional Park, visitors can explore nature at its finest when visiting Salinas. There are also plenty of cultural attractions including galleries and museums. 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, Salinas has something for everyone!

Things to do in Monterey?
Monterey, CA is an iconic beach city located on the Monterey Peninsula of California's central coast. This picturesque coastal community offers stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, fabulous restaurants and galleries, plus numerous other recreational activities.

 Salinas, CAMonterey, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock30,014329,725,481
 Median Income$75,747  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$665,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.8%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.19  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Salinas    15 Reviews

Over 11 years ago

Sacred Heart School is a fine Catholic school in the heart of Salinas, Ca. Victoria Torcolini was principal of this PK-8 school from 2006-2009. Under her leadership, SHS  More

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Over 13 years ago

I Was born and raise in salinas. In 2006 my family moved to the central valley. I moved back to salinas in 2011. I moved back Because I got a better job in Carmel. I  More

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Salinas, California has some of the best weather in Central California. I love looking out at the mountain ranges that line the Salinas River Valley. It's a shame that  More

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Reviews for Monterey    21 Reviews

Over 8 years ago

The Monterey city area is an excellent place to live and one of the few California locales where it's relatively safe to raise a family. If I could no longer live here I  More

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I grew up on the Monterey Peninsula and had to leave to climb out of poverty. The median income is $35,000 and outside of the military, the jobs are mostly service  More

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My husband and I are just crazy about Monterey. I wonder if we take housing expenses (mortgage or rent) out of the picture, is Monterey still a very expensive city to  More

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