2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Abilene, TX

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Highlights
Are people in Abilene older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Abilene is 7.0 years younger than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Abilene or Santa Barbara?
- Abilene housing costs are 88.6% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Abilene or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Abilene is 1.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Santa Barbara.

Things to do in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara, California has something for everyone - from fantastic beaches to world-class shopping and dining experiences. Visitors can explore Old Mission Santa Barbara or take part in various water activities around Stearns Wharf.

Things to do in Abilene?
Abilene, Texas is a city in West Central Texas that offers plenty of activities for all ages. For those looking to get outdoors there are several parks and recreation areas for hiking and biking. The area also offers art galleries, theater performances, and performances by the local symphony. Education is top-notch here with McMurry University and Hardin-Simmons University both calling Abilene home. Shopping and dining experiences range everywhere from traditional cowboy stores to fine Italian dining. Whether you’re looking for a place to call home or just want some entertainment, Abilene won't disappoint!

 Santa Barbara, CAAbilene, TXUnited States
 Population  Unlock125,474329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock32.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.15  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Santa Barbara    51 Reviews

I moved to Santa Barbara around 23 years ago to study at Brooks, which like most of the Santa Barbara that I knew—has been destroyed. Homelessness, drugs, gangs, high  More

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Over 4 years ago

I fell in love with Santa Barbara about thirty years ago and finally moved here a few years ago. Because of the price of homes, it is an expensive place to live. The  More

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If you like high crime, paying a $4,500 a month mortgage and crazy high taxes, this is the place for you. It’s too bad because it wasn’t always like this. When I moved  More

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Reviews for Abilene    17 Reviews

I've lived in 9 states, traveled over much of the U.S., and Abilene TEXAS is by far the best city I've ever lived. I find it beautiful here, love the climate and low  More

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Over 5 years ago

We moved to Abilene for a military assignment and have never got out of here. We stayed initially for children and grandchildren then elderly parents. Now we can't  More

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I've lived in Abilene for the last 45 years and It's the best place to raise a family. Great churches, schools, jobs and sense of community. There is always something  More

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