2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs El Cajon, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in El Cajon older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in El Cajon is 4.3 years younger than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in El Cajon or Santa Barbara?
- El Cajon housing costs are 52.3% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, El Cajon or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of El Cajon is 9.6 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 El Cajon?
El Cajon, California is a vibrant city located in San Diego County. From its breathtaking views to its many cultural attractions, El Cajon has something for everyone! Outdoor activities like the Los Coches Creek Park and Boomers El Cajon will keep visitors entertained all day long. Plus, those looking for an educational experience can browse places like the East County Performing Arts Center or the Ronald Hammond Interpretive Center. And when they've had their fill of activities, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal from restaurants like Haru Ramen Bar or Bottles & Barrels. With so much to offer, El Cajon is an ideal destination for a memorable experience!

 Santa Barbara, CAEl Cajon, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock106,043329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock9.6%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

   |    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 El Cajon    10 Reviews

Stay out of East El Cajon. The people that live there don't like  More

   |    Reply

Housing less expensive then San Diego, wages the same. A total package of people from different backgrounds (ethnic) which is  More

   |    Reply

El Cajon and La Mesa are about a dozen miles east of the Pacific Ocean. Fletcher Hills, in particular, is a community within El Cajon on the boarder of La Mesa/Mt.  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of El Cajon


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.