2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Friday Harbor, WA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Friday Harbor older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Friday Harbor is 1.9 years older than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Friday Harbor or Santa Barbara?
- Friday Harbor housing costs are 45.5% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Friday Harbor or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Friday Harbor is 6.0 minutes shorter 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 Friday Harbor?
Friday Harbor is a small town on San Juan Island, located in the beautiful Puget Sound near the Canadian border. It has a population of just over 2,000 people, making it perfect for those who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. The town is surrounded by beautiful scenery including lush forests and beaches that make it an ideal spot for outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The locals are friendly and welcoming, creating a tight-knit community that makes Friday Harbor a great place to settle down or even just visit for the weekend. In addition to its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere, there are plenty of local restaurants and shops to explore on sunny days. Overall, Friday Harbor provides an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling relaxed and at home.

 Santa Barbara, CAFriday Harbor, WAUnited States
 Population  Unlock2,587329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock4138.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.2%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

   |    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 Friday Harbor    2 Reviews

Beautiful place to retire and live, but a very expensive area to buy property and maintain. Services are limited and labor is in big shortage. So be prepared to pay up  More

   |    Reply

I lived on the Island for a couple of the winter months in 2007. I house sat a beautiful home on acreage with a view of the water. The Island is very quiet during the  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Friday Harbor


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.