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

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Highlights
Are people in Encinitas older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Encinitas is 13.7 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Encinitas or Santa Cruz?
- Encinitas housing costs are 21.7% more expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Encinitas or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Encinitas is 2.1 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 Encinitas?
Encinitas, California is a picturesque beach town located in San Diego County. This beach community offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the beaches of Moonlight State Beach or one of many popular restaurants, shops and boutiques. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Swami's State Park, Ecke Sports Park and La Paloma park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Encinitas their home.

 Santa Cruz, CAEncinitas, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,140329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.7%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 Encinitas    14 Reviews

I've lived in many different neighborhoods throughout San Diego over the years. They've all been coastal, from Pt. Loma, Pacific Beach, Del Mar, Solana Beach and  More

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Over 7 years ago

1. Horrible, nightmare traffic with lots of road rage drivers everywhere 2. Extremely high cost of living for small crappy houses / condos 3. Nothing to do, no  More

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Over 11 years ago

I have lived in many locations across the United States and the Caribbean and Encinitas is on my top list of places to live. The people are easy going and the pace  More

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