2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Alameda, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Alameda older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Alameda is 11.6 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Alameda or Santa Cruz?
- Alameda housing costs are 7.2% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Alameda or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Alameda is 9.5 minutes longer than it is for residents of Santa Cruz.

Things to do in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz, California is an incredible city located in the heart of the Monterey Bay area. This beautiful city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the stunning natural beaches or the charming downtown area. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park, and Seymour Marine Discovery Center. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Santa Cruz their home.

Things to do in Alameda?
Alameda, California provides locals and visitors with plenty of attractions ranging from USS Hornet Museum Ship to shopping on Webster street.

 Santa Cruz, CAAlameda, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock78,320329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.45  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Santa Cruz    44 Reviews

I lived in the Santa Cruz area for 20 years. UCSC alum. Our kids were born there. There are wonderful things about Santa Cruz, but also many serious problems that we  More

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Over 5 years ago

I have been here for four generations! My kids are the fifth. I guess that should tell you how wonderful it is here, at least for us. It's so cool to have world class  More

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I was born over the hill in San Jose area, and as a kid I loved coming over to the boardwalk. Santa Cruz has always been and always will be a town of diversity,  More

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Reviews for Alameda    6 Reviews

Over 7 years ago

Having been born here & 70 now I have watched firsthand, a small, quiet town ruined by excessive building, overcrowding and far too many restaurants for a city this  More

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Enjoy the immense benefit to having a close-knit community with main-street USA feel less than 10 miles from the resources of several urban and education  More

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Alameda, CA is a unique town here in the Bay Area. Perhaps because it is an island, or perhaps because for many decades it was a U.S. Army base, the city has never  More

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