2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Durham, NC

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Highlights
Are people in Durham older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Durham is 5.6 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Durham or Santa Cruz?
- Durham housing costs are 69.5% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Durham or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Durham is 0.9 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 Durham?
Durham, North Carolina is a city with something for everyone. Explore the unique culture of downtown Durham and visit its many museums, art galleries, theatres, and shops. Take a walk through Duke Gardens or listen to live music at the bustling American Tobacco Campus. Visit the restored Bennett Place Historic Site and learn about the historic Civil War Battle of Bennett Place. For those looking for outdoor recreation, explore Eno River State Park or Lake Jordan. From world-class education to local craft breweries - Durham offers something special to all who visit!

 Santa Cruz, CADurham, NCUnited States
 Population  Unlock279,106329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%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 Durham    43 Reviews

I was raised in this city, left for work in the 2010s, and returned in 2018. This city has changed a lot over the years for the better. Growing up there was not a ton to  More

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Over 4 years ago

I've lived in durham for a few years and my experience is coming from someone who has traveled all over the world and has lived in many different states. First things  More

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Over 4 years ago

I live here for my entire life and it has never gotten boring, I love the scenery, nightlife and basically everything here. There is always something new to do and  More

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