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

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Highlights
Are people in Austin older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Austin is 5.2 years younger than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Austin or Santa Barbara?
- Austin housing costs are 62.2% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Austin or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Austin is 7.0 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 Austin?
Austin, Texas is a vibrant city known for its eclectic culture, delicious food, and outdoor activities. Home to world renowned music venues like the Moody Theater and the Cactus Café, visitors can explore a wide range of genres such as country, rock and roll, blues, jazz, funk and more. The city also offers a plethora of unique restaurants featuring everything from traditional Tex-Mex dishes to innovative gastronomy creations. Nature lovers will find plenty to do with Austin's network of trails perfect for hiking and biking. With its creative spirit and endless opportunities to explore - Austin is a great place for any traveler looking for an unforgettable adventure!

 Santa Barbara, CAAustin, TXUnited States
 Population  Unlock944,658329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock33.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.1%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 Austin    449 Reviews

Over 1 years ago

Good place to visit.  More

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Austin is too expensive. Let's get that out of the way. Other than that it is a fun city. Ladybird Lake makes the city, imo. The ability to stand up paddle, kayak, walk  More

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The city continues to grow quickly, which a lot of people don't like. I get it, you fall in love with a city, and it's growing so fast that you don't recognize the same  More

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