2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Palm Springs, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Palm Springs older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Palm Springs is 17.5 years older than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Palm Springs or Santa Barbara?
- Palm Springs housing costs are 59.4% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Palm Springs or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs?
Palm Springs, CA is a desert oasis surrounded by majestic mountain peaks in the Coachella Valley of Southern California. It is known for its chic resorts and bustling downtown filled with art galleries and lively nightlife. With a population of over 48,000, Palm Springs offers year-round sunshine and plenty of leisure activities such as golf, tennis, hiking and more.

 Santa Barbara, CAPalm Springs, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock44,799329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock56.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.5%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

   |    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 Palm Springs    12 Reviews

I lived in Palm Springs for 12 years and initially it appeared to be quite beautiful. The mountains are beautiful and palm trees, very stress-free and manageable.  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

14 years is plenty long enough. This is a nice place to visit, not live. In the last 20 years the air quality, especially in the summer has deteriorated considerably.  More

   |    Reply

Ghetto Crime City with lots of glitz... Police do nothing. Called 911 three times in a year: twice, no response. Provided the license plate of the criminals in two  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Palm Springs


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.