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

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Yakima older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Yakima is 5.5 years younger than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Yakima or Santa Barbara?
- Yakima housing costs are 79.3% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Yakima or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Yakima is 0.1 minutes shorter 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 Yakima?
Yakima, Washington is a charming city located near the Cascade Mountains. Home to a wide range of activities from outdoor recreation such as fishing, skiing, and hiking to cultural attractions like the Yakima Valley Museum, Yakima Valley Visitors Center and Selah Community Arts. With its close proximity to Seattle, visitors can explore everything from fine dining and nightlife to professional sports teams and state-of-the-art shopping centers. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation - Yakima has it all!

 Santa Barbara, CAYakima, WAUnited States
 Population  Unlock96,266329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock33.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.1%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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Barbara

Reviews for Yakima    12 Reviews

Over 6 years ago

Overall we've enjoyed our stay in Yakima after several years and plan on being here for several more, at least. The spring and summer here are just unreal compared to  More

   |    Reply

Over 9 years ago

I may be relocating to Yakima, WA for a professional position at a local university. I have never lived in this part of the country as I am from the East Coast. I have  More

   |    Reply

Yakima is situated in the high desert, eastern elevations of the Cascade Mountain Range. Coming from the humid, eastern parts of the country, I was amazed at how  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Yakima


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.