2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Lake Havasu City, AZ

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Highlights
Are people in Lake Havasu City older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Lake Havasu City is 15.7 years older than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lake Havasu City or Santa Barbara?
- Lake Havasu City housing costs are 71.4% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lake Havasu City or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Lake Havasu City is 3.6 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 Lake Havasu City?
Lake Havasu City, Arizona is a scenic lakeside destination nestled in the foothills of the lower Colorado River. It offers residents and visitors an array of outdoor activities, attractions and amenities. With 300 days of sunshine per year and close proximity to Lake Havasu State Park, it’s easy to explore the area’s natural beauty. In addition to boating, fishing, swimming and hiking, there are multiple golf courses, zip lines, ATV trails and water sports available for recreation. Meanwhile, culture enthusiasts can enjoy art galleries, museums and theaters as well as a vibrant nightlife scene. With so much to do and see in Lake Havasu City, it's no wonder why this destination continues to draw people from all over the world!

 Santa Barbara, CALake Havasu City, AZUnited States
 Population  Unlock56,510329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock54.838.4
 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

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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 Lake Havasu City    21 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

First I want to begin this review by saying I am a young black woman who stopped here for 1 day on her way to California with my husband, who is white. Every  More

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Over 4 years ago

Unfortunately, many on the far-right like to “claim” Lake Havasu City, but that’s going to change very soon as more Dems move in and help to build the economy and add  More

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My wife and I purchased last year for a few reasons: we got tired of the people in California; city living and crime. Not trying to insult anyone just true. As we  More

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