2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Anchorage, AK

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Highlights
Are people in Anchorage older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Anchorage is 4.8 years younger than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Anchorage or Santa Barbara?
- Anchorage housing costs are 77.4% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Anchorage or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Anchorage is 1.7 minutes longer 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 Anchorage?
Anchorage, Alaska is an exciting destination for nature lovers, outdoor adventurers and city dwellers alike. Explore the lush Chugach State Park and take in stunning views of mountains, glaciers, rivers and lakes. On a cold day, head indoors to the Alaska Native Heritage Center or Anchorage Museum to learn about the history and culture of the state's native people. Visit downtown Anchorage for great shopping and dining options, or take time to relax at some of the many parks throughout the area. The vibrant city of Anchorage offers something for everyone!

 Santa Barbara, CAAnchorage, AKUnited States
 Population  Unlock292,545329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.6%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 Anchorage    83 Reviews

Over 1 years ago

Anchorage had potential but with the massive amount of homeless the petty crime is on the rise. I chose to live in a town outside of Anchorage rather than the city for  More

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I lived in Anchorage for the better part of the 2010's. Pros: o Beautiful, mountain and ocean views; close to many hiking trails, campsites, fishing grounds,  More

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it's nice, i liked it when i grew up there. kinda wish i could move back, but i didn't really like being isolated from all the things like nordstrom, trader joe's,  More

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