2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Sparta, NJ

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Sparta older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Sparta is 3.3 years older than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Sparta or Santa Barbara?
- Sparta housing costs are 67.8% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Sparta or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Sparta is 22.5 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 Sparta?
Sparta, NJ is a pleasant township northwest of Paterson featuring several spectacular spots such as Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area perfect for exploring or Stephens State Park ideal for recreational activities; locals gather yearly at the remarkable Sparta Irish Festival celebrating local culture with music and art.

 Santa Barbara, CASparta, NJUnited States
 Population  Unlock19,621329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.7%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 Sparta    7 Reviews

I lived in Sparta for 28 years and only moved away because I retired. Both our daughters went through the entire school system and received a great education. In the  More

   |    Reply

Over 16 years ago

Sparta is a wonderful place to raise a family. Sparta has a lot of organized activities plus an abundance of year- round outdoor activites. It has a number of private  More

   |    Reply

Over 16 years ago

We have enjoyed living in Sparta. It is an aesthetically pleasing area, nice lakes, good restaurants, a very good library and small town atmosphere. It lacks continuing  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Sparta


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.