2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Tacoma, WA

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Highlights
Are people in Tacoma older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Tacoma is 2.4 years younger than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Tacoma or Santa Barbara?
- Tacoma housing costs are 70.2% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Tacoma or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Tacoma is 10.9 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 Tacoma?
Tacoma, Washington is a vibrant city full of opportunities for exploration and recreation. Nature lovers can take advantage of the stunning views from Mount Rainier National Park or explore giant trees at Point Defiance Park. History buffs can visit the Museum of Glass to learn about the area's unique glass culture or explore the local history at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. Art enthusiasts can join a painting class at Spaceworks Gallery or attend an art exhibit at Tacoma Art Museum. Foodies will love browsing through dozens of eateries and breweries in the city while shoppers can find some great deals at Tacoma Mall. With its wide variety of attractions, Tacoma is sure to have something for everyone!

 Santa Barbara, CATacoma, WAUnited States
 Population  Unlock217,332329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.3%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 Tacoma    40 Reviews

I've lived in Tacoma for 3.5 years and love it! It's not a perfect city, nowhere is perfect and Tacoma does have its' share of problems, but overall have found T-Town  More

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Over 4 years ago

We LOVE tacoma. Grew up in Seattle, and tacoma is so much better! Easy access to the water, hiking, and Mt Rainier and the Olympics. We love the coffee shops and  More

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Over 5 years ago

Having lived over half my life here I can tell you real friends are few and far between. You will go through many and only have a handful who stick with you. Your  More

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