2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Waltham, MA

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Highlights
Are people in Waltham older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Waltham is 5.3 years younger than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Waltham or Santa Barbara?
- Waltham housing costs are 55.3% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Waltham or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Waltham is 8.1 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 Waltham?
Waltham, Massachusetts is a vibrant city located in Middlesex County. This bustling community offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the Lyman Estate Greenhouses or one of many popular restaurants. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Prospect Hill Park, Beaver Brook Reservation and Charles River Reservation. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Waltham their home.

 Santa Barbara, CAWaltham, MAUnited States
 Population  Unlock64,655329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock33.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.9%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 Waltham    2 Reviews

Over 15 years ago

My husband and I moved from west of Worcester to Waltham a few months ago and are really enjoying life here. We're situated in an apartment close to Moody Street and  More

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Waltham is home to two well respected colleges/universities: Bentley and Brandeis. That, however, is not all. For within half an hour or so, by commuter train or car,  More

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