2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Virginia Beach, VA

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

Are housing costs cheaper in Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara?
- Virginia Beach housing costs are 75.7% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Virginia Beach or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Virginia Beach is 6.5 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 Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach, Virginia is a popular summer destination for beachgoers and sun seekers alike. Boasting gorgeous beaches, fantastic boardwalks, and lively nightlife, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant coastal city. Visitors can enjoy the great outdoors with kayaking, paddle boarding or fishing. Or they can explore the many cultural attractions like the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and The Cavalier Hotel. With its beautiful beaches, stunning views and tons of activities to keep you busy all day long, Virginia Beach is sure to make your next vacation one to remember!

 Santa Barbara, CAVirginia Beach, VAUnited States
 Population  Unlock457,658329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.8%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 Virginia Beach    95 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

If you lived here prior to 2005, your experience in Virginia Beach is likely between good and wonderful. There are still pros to living here. Other reviews have  More

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Over 6 years ago

I lived in the Hampton Roads area for 11 years while I was in the Navy. It was a bit of a culture shock, since I grew up in a small rural town in Maine with 900 people.  More

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Over 7 years ago

I lived in the Kempsville area of VB growing up and loved it. There's no way to be bored when you have so many public and neighborhood parks, libraries, events,  More

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