2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Arroyo Grande, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Arroyo Grande older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Arroyo Grande is 17.7 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Arroyo Grande or Santa Cruz?
- Arroyo Grande housing costs are 28.7% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Arroyo Grande or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Arroyo Grande is 2.0 minutes shorter 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 Arroyo Grande?
Arroyo Grande, California lies within San Luis Obispo county providing its citizens access to top rated schools such as Dana Elementary School while also having shopping options near Arroyo Grande Village Square as well as multiple food spots including La Caseta

 Santa Cruz, CAArroyo Grande, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock18,422329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock46.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.8%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 Arroyo Grande    8 Reviews

Over 7 years ago

Arroyo Grande is a nice place to live. However, it is rather expensive for many people. There is a large retirement community living here, and home and rental prices are  More

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Over 8 years ago

I've lived here for nearly thirty years and love it. Great, easy climate year round. I know what I'm talking about--having lived in San Francisco Bay Area, Nevada,  More

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People from here absolutely love it and refuse to admit that it is much too expensive. They hate change. To live in a good school area will cost you dearly. There is  More

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