2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Plano, TX

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Highlights
Are people in Plano older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Plano is 0.3 years younger than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Plano or Santa Barbara?
- Plano housing costs are 67.7% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Plano or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Plano is 9.4 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 Plano?
Plano, Texas is a vibrant city that offers something for everyone. Shopaholics can explore The Shops at Legacy, an outdoor shopping and entertainment district with plenty of food, fun and local stores. Art enthusiasts can check out the IKEA Performing Arts Center or enjoy a day at the Interurban Railway Museum. Nature lovers can explore nearby parks like Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve or take in views of stunning lakes and rivers. With its great attractions, beautiful scenery and endless opportunities for adventure, there's no telling what you'll find in Plano!

 Santa Barbara, CAPlano, TXUnited States
 Population  Unlock282,181329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock38.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.5%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 5 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 Plano    42 Reviews

I had lived in Plano for over 30 years. It is where I bought my first home as a single woman, where I married, and where I raised my children. I was fortunate enough  More

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We have lived in Plano for 20 years. It has been consistently rated very highly in surveys of best places to live in the US. Pros are the parks system; which includes  More

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Over 5 years ago

I've lived here for a while now. It's wonderful here. There's a ton to do, great jobs, great parks, and pretty good school. It's the perfect  More

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