2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Chapel Hill, NC

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Highlights
Are people in Chapel Hill older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Chapel Hill is 14.1 years younger than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Chapel Hill or Santa Barbara?
- Chapel Hill housing costs are 63.9% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Chapel Hill or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Chapel Hill is 2.5 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 Chapel Hill?
Chapel Hill, North Carolina is an energetic city located in Orange County. This bustling community offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or one of many popular restaurants. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available in Coker Arboretum and Battle Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Chapel Hill their home.

 Santa Barbara, CAChapel Hill, NCUnited States
 Population  Unlock60,920329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2538.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.2%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 Chapel Hill    16 Reviews

Between my wife and I, we've lived in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, and Chapel Hill, and it's Chapel Hill we prefer. Franklin Street is always lively with an eclectic mix of  More

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I am not sure if Bert has actually been to the Triangle, but for starters, Durham, as Chapel Hill residents know and envy, is and has been for 5 yrs now a vibrant  More

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someone told me they live in the hills/mountains right near chapel hill, and the summers are much cooler there, while the town itself is easily accessible. is this  More

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