2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Ithaca, NY

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Highlights
Are people in Ithaca older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Ithaca is 16.8 years younger than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ithaca or Santa Barbara?
- Ithaca housing costs are 78.2% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ithaca or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Ithaca is 1.0 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 Ithaca?
Ithaca, NY lies along Cayuga Lake with tall gorges giving way to spectacular waterfalls like Ithaca Falls where visitors can marvel at beauty while strolling along its cascades side trails. Not only does this college town have some unique natural sites but it's also a mecca for art buffs since there’s tons galleries featuring works from local artists sprinkled around too!

 Santa Barbara, CAIthaca, NYUnited States
 Population  Unlock31,819329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock22.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%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 Ithaca    32 Reviews

BILL · 

For a small city, its downtown has grown significantly and serves as the hub of the community. The Ithaca Commons remains the central gathering space for locals,  More

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Over 4 years ago

Great place to live. Lots to do, vibrant culture, and beautiful scenery. Don't fear the winter--it's even beautiful then. Only complaint is the housing market. Way  More

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I was born, raised, educated there (Ithaca High and Cornell). In my opinion, before leaving to pursue my career, it seemed like the most beautiful, clean, low crime,  More

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