2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Friday Harbor, WA

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Highlights
Are people in Friday Harbor older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Friday Harbor is 12.0 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Friday Harbor or Santa Cruz?
- Friday Harbor housing costs are 34.6% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Friday Harbor or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Friday Harbor is 12.3 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 Friday Harbor?
Friday Harbor is a small town on San Juan Island, located in the beautiful Puget Sound near the Canadian border. It has a population of just over 2,000 people, making it perfect for those who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. The town is surrounded by beautiful scenery including lush forests and beaches that make it an ideal spot for outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The locals are friendly and welcoming, creating a tight-knit community that makes Friday Harbor a great place to settle down or even just visit for the weekend. In addition to its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere, there are plenty of local restaurants and shops to explore on sunny days. Overall, Friday Harbor provides an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling relaxed and at home.

 Santa Cruz, CAFriday Harbor, WAUnited States
 Population  Unlock2,587329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock4138.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.2%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 Friday Harbor    2 Reviews

Beautiful place to retire and live, but a very expensive area to buy property and maintain. Services are limited and labor is in big shortage. So be prepared to pay up  More

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I lived on the Island for a couple of the winter months in 2007. I house sat a beautiful home on acreage with a view of the water. The Island is very quiet during the  More

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