2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Bend, OR

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Highlights
Are people in Bend older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Bend is 9.8 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Bend or Santa Cruz?
- Bend housing costs are 47.6% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Bend or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Bend is 8.1 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 Bend?
Bend, Oregon is an incredible city located in central Oregon. It's known for its breathtaking mountain views, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can take advantage of outdoor activities like exploring Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway or hiking at Lava Lands Visitor Center to explore the local area. Nature enthusiasts can visit places like Deschutes National Forest or High Desert Museum to gain insight into local wildlife. After exploring, sample delicious food from restaurants like Wild Rose or Roost Beer Garden & Pub. With so much to offer, Bend is a fantastic place to visit for an unforgettable experience!

 Santa Cruz, CABend, ORUnited States
 Population  Unlock97,042329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock38.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.0%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 Bend    100 Reviews

I have visited Bend for many years and moved here last year with my family. Every person that complains about Bend does not understand how economics works. The main  More

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Over 4 years ago

When I moved to Bend it was a charming small city of about 50,000 people. The population has now more than doubled and the once clean, quiet community is a noisy, dirty,  More

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Over 4 years ago

I've lived in Bend for 10 years now. I'm originally from a poorer town in CA with the same population as Bend. Here are my pros and cons of living in Bend. Pros: -  More

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