2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Ithaca, NY

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Highlights
Are people in Ithaca older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Ithaca is 6.7 years younger than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ithaca or Santa Cruz?
- Ithaca housing costs are 73.8% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ithaca or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Ithaca is 7.3 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 Ithaca?
Ithaca, NY lies along Cayuga Lake with tall gorges giving way to spectacular waterfalls like Ithaca Falls where visitors can marvel at beauty while strolling along its cascades side trails. Not only does this college town have some unique natural sites but it's also a mecca for art buffs since there’s tons galleries featuring works from local artists sprinkled around too!

 Santa Cruz, CAIthaca, NYUnited States
 Population  Unlock31,819329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock22.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%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 Ithaca    32 Reviews

BILL · 

For a small city, its downtown has grown significantly and serves as the hub of the community. The Ithaca Commons remains the central gathering space for locals,  More

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Over 4 years ago

Great place to live. Lots to do, vibrant culture, and beautiful scenery. Don't fear the winter--it's even beautiful then. Only complaint is the housing market. Way  More

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I was born, raised, educated there (Ithaca High and Cornell). In my opinion, before leaving to pursue my career, it seemed like the most beautiful, clean, low crime,  More

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