2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Carefree, AZ

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Carefree older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Carefree is 27.6 years older than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Carefree or Santa Barbara?
- Carefree housing costs are 25.8% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Carefree or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Carefree is 8.7 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 Carefree?
Living in Carefree, AZ is like living in paradise. With its lush desert landscape and stunning mountain views, it's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It's also close enough to other major cities that you can easily visit or commute for work or pleasure. The town itself has a unique charm with its many art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. As if all this wasn't enough, the weather is perfect year-round with plenty of sunny days and cool nights. All in all, living in Carefree, AZ is an amazing experience that will keep you coming back for more.

 Santa Barbara, CACarefree, AZUnited States
 Population  Unlock3,642329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock66.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.1%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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Barbara

Reviews for Carefree    4 Reviews

Carefree is not the laid back community it once was. It’s inundated with bikers because of the town of Cave Creek, which is a haven for Bikers and “Forever Trump” cult  More

   |    Reply

Over 9 years ago

Delightful from Mid-Oct thru Mid-May. Very hot in summer but the dryness does allow for more activities than a humid climate does. I can testify to that, having lived in  More

   |    Reply

Over 16 years ago

Life in Carefree is definitely free and easy. Part Cowboy and part resort there is peace and quiet all around. If you love the old west than you are in the heart of it  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Carefree


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.