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

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Highlights
Are people in Benicia older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Benicia is 16.1 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Benicia or Santa Cruz?
- Benicia housing costs are 40.1% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Benicia or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Benicia is 10.2 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 Benicia?
Benicia, CA is situated along San Francisco Bay, just north of Vallejo and east of Martinez. The city has grown significantly over the past decade due to its diverse offerings like waterfront parks and trails, top-notch restaurants, unique antique shops, and art galleries alongside newer developments such as modern housing complexes and high-end retail outlets.

 Santa Cruz, CABenicia, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock27,191329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock45.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.5%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 Benicia    5 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

Formerly an out of the way set of signs on the freeways noticed on the way out of town, with a reputation for refineries, Benicia has transformed over the years into a  More

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i've lived lots of places and benicia is by far the worst. th kist here (12-20) are jerks, they jump infront of cars, run around the stores like crazy people and are  More

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I'm a Californian who doesn't like cars, traffic or driving. That's why I moved to Benicia, so I could walk to work if I wanted. After work, I really don't need a car  More

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