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

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Highlights
Are people in Tucson older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Tucson is 4.9 years younger than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Tucson or Santa Barbara?
- Tucson housing costs are 80.1% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Tucson or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Tucson is 5.1 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 Tucson?
Tucson, Arizona is an exciting and vibrant city with an array of attractions. Explore the Mission San Xavier del Bac or take a trip to nearby Sabino Canyon for some outdoor recreation. Spend the day touring the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or visit downtown Tucscon for some great shopping and dining. Those looking for a more adventurous experience can visit Saguaro National Park or try their hand at rock climbing in Tucson Mountain Park. From its unique desert beauty to its interesting culture, Tucson is sure to provide an unforgettable experience!

 Santa Barbara, CATucson, AZUnited States
 Population  Unlock538,167329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.4%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 Tucson    287 Reviews

My wife and I characterize ourselves as a young couple, well educated, with decent positions and we’re Tucson natives. We’ve observed our quality of life from both a  More

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Over 1 years ago

I was reading the reviews for Tucson, and after living there for 6 years, I feel the need to weigh in. There are many pros in Tucson: access to recreational areas,  More

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I spend considerable time in and around Tucson, and I've see it rapidly going "downhill" since 2020. It's definitely not the nice town I remember from when I was a  More

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