2025 Compare Cities Overview:
San Diego, CA vs Santa Monica, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Monica older or younger than people in San Diego?
- The Median Age in Santa Monica is 6.0 years older than in San Diego.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Monica or San Diego?
- Santa Monica housing costs are 98.8% more expensive than San Diego housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Monica or San Diego?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Monica is 2.2 minutes longer than it is for residents of San Diego.

Things to do in San Diego?
San Diego, California is a beautiful coastal city that offers something for everyone. From world-famous attractions like the iconic Balboa Park and SeaWorld, to serene beaches and lush parks - San Diego offers a wealth of activities and sights to explore. The city's dynamic neighborhoods offer an array of shopping, dining, nightlife and cultural experiences - making it perfect for visitors who want to get off the beaten path. With its mild Mediterranean climate, San Diego provides plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities year-round, making it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and relax in paradise!

Things to do in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica, California is a vibrant beach city located in Los Angeles County. This popular destination offers something for everyone, from world-class shopping and dining to outdoor activities like surfing and biking along the beachside path. Cultural attractions like the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and the nearby Getty Villa make it easy to explore the area's history and art. Nightlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the countless bars, nightclubs, and lounges scattered throughout town. With its many attractions and activities, Santa Monica is sure to make your vacation unforgettable!

 San Diego, CASanta Monica, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock92,828329,725,481
 Median Income$89,457  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock41.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$833,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.97  Unlock26.38
Reviews for San Diego    319 Reviews

I have lived in San Diego for more than half my life (I am 30) and love it. It has something for everyone and more from arts, to sporting events, and all cuisine is  More

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The only real knock again San Diego is the cost of living, but it is paradise compared to most cities of similar size. Those who complain about the traffic here or say  More

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I have lived in San Diego since 1968 and I am now almost 62 years old. I love San Diego, I really do. But it has become so crowded and so expensive over the years. It  More

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Reviews for Santa Monica    24 Reviews

I moved here to Santa Monica over 10 years ago from Oklahoma City. I was surprised to see that Oklahoma City was ranked higher than Santa Monica on best places. I  More

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I've lived in Santa Monica for over 30 years. It's a Mediterranean climate--sunny and temperate when the rest of the country is under snow! I am walking distance to  More

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I have lived in this city for 4 decades, and it is never been worse than it is now. It is a dangerous disgusting hell hole. Between the crime, the homeless that are not  More

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