2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Sterling, VA

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Highlights
Are people in Sterling older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Sterling is 4.7 years younger than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Sterling or Santa Barbara?
- Sterling housing costs are 62.6% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Sterling or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Sterling is 9.3 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 Sterling?
Sterling, VA is a bustling community located in the heart of Loudon County, just outside of Washington DC. It's known for its charming downtown area with top-tier dining and shopping options. The town also features plenty of parks and recreational activities to enjoy, such as horseback riding and fishing at nearby Algonkian Regional Park.

 Santa Barbara, CASterling, VAUnited States
 Population  Unlock31,202329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%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 Sterling    0 Reviews

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