2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

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Highlights
Are people in Phoenix older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Phoenix is 5.0 years younger than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Phoenix or Santa Barbara?
- Phoenix housing costs are 72.9% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Phoenix or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Phoenix is 8.3 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 Phoenix?
Phoenix, Arizona is a vibrant city with a unique blend of old and new culture. It sits in the valley of the Sonoran Desert surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. With its year-round sunshine, outdoor activities, arts and cultural attractions, delicious food scene, and fascinating nightlife - Phoenix is an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience something truly special. From the charming Spanish architecture to its world-class museums and festivals - Phoenix has it all.

 Santa Barbara, CAPhoenix, AZUnited States
 Population  Unlock1,591,119329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.6%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 Phoenix    449 Reviews

Over 1 years ago

As someone that has worked in Phoenix for close to 20 years now. There is great areas to eat at, great opportunities for premium small businesses to set up shop and even  More

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Over 1 years ago

Phoenix is a city of potential and definitely has a bad reputation that is not completely deserved all throughout the city itself. There is tons of things to do, places  More

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Phoenix has tons of the best places to shop and eat at bar none due to it being the big city. Downtown is definitely underrated. There also is some nice new developments  More

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