2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Boulder, CO

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Highlights
Are people in Boulder older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Boulder is 0.1 years younger than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Boulder or Santa Cruz?
- Boulder housing costs are 21.5% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Boulder or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Boulder is 4.3 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 Boulder?
Boulder, Colorado is a unique city in the foothills of the Rockies. From incredible outdoor recreation to delicious food and vibrant nightlife, Boulder has something for everyone. Nature lovers will be captivated by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and can take advantage of over 200 miles of trails for hiking, biking and climbing. For those looking to relax, Boulder Creek Path provides visitors with a peaceful respite from busy city life. Culture aficionados won’t want to miss out on visiting various galleries and historic landmarks throughout town, such as the Chautauqua Park Historic District or view pieces at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. And after a day spent exploring this beautiful city, guests can unwind at one of Boulder’s many restaurants for some delicious local fare or enjoy a lively night at one of its lively bars! With its stunning mountain views and endless activities, Boulder promises to leave visitors with lasting memories!

 Santa Cruz, CABoulder, COUnited States
 Population  Unlock104,930329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock28.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.1%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 Boulder    55 Reviews

Outside of the university, Boulder had a very distinctive "wealthy hippy" feel. A lot of alternative medicine and a matching ethos. This is changing some among my  More

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We moved here from Texas about 4 years ago and love it here! The amazing sense of community and high regard for the environment are two of the main reasons we love  More

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Over 5 years ago

Most people do much worse than Boulder. I'm the most critical person I've ever met who is never happy or satisfied -- so that's a pretty huge compliment.   More

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