2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Whitefish, MT

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Highlights
Are people in Whitefish older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Whitefish is 1.3 years older than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Whitefish or Santa Barbara?
- Whitefish housing costs are 45.0% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Whitefish or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Whitefish is 1.9 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 Whitefish?
Whitefish, MT is an amazing place to live. The small town of Whitefish offers a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of activities for all ages and interests. The stunning mountain views and clear blue lakes provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, skiing, and camping. The friendly people and bustling downtown area create a welcoming and vibrant environment that makes living here a pleasure. There are also plenty of local businesses, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues to explore. Living in Whitefish is truly an experience that can't be matched anywhere else!

 Santa Barbara, CAWhitefish, MTUnited States
 Population  Unlock7,783329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%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 5 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 Whitefish    3 Reviews

I love Whitefish! While I love Whitefish, I worry about the future. Whitefish has been a wonderful place to live for years. People are friendly & you know everyone.   More

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Whitefish is a resort town with a resort tax, cleaner and better managed that neighboring Kalispell, but also more expensive to live in. Still, if you're from a more  More

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Over 17 years ago

Whitefish is a small resort town, close to Glacier National Park. Lots of activities in summer and winter. A great place for kids. The schools are great too.   More

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