2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Mill Valley, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Mill Valley older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Mill Valley is 8.8 years older than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Mill Valley or Santa Barbara?
- Mill Valley housing costs are 18.9% more expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Mill Valley or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Mill Valley is 13.7 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 Mill Valley?
Mill Valley, CA is an independent city located in Marin County northwest from San Quentin inhabited by approximately thirteen thousand people. Mill Valley produces lots of venues like the California State Indian Museum providing locals or tourists with the perfect opportunity to appreciate nature through various activities on a stop here! Additionally there are multiple restaurants and shops around this area making it something distinctive all year round!

 Santa Barbara, CAMill Valley, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock14,240329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock47.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.8%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 Mill Valley    7 Reviews

I lived in southern Marin County for 20 years and lived it. Just moved  More

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Over 15 years ago

Mill Valley is a perfect place to live and raise a family, if you don't mind a cost of living index of 233. Don't distress - go mountain biking or hiking with  More

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Over 16 years ago

Good weather all year around. Great public schools. Cost of living very high. Crime low wonderful outdoor activities nearby like hiking, beaches,  More

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