2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Kirkland, WA

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Highlights
Are people in Kirkland older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Kirkland is 8.8 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Kirkland or Santa Cruz?
- Kirkland housing costs are 16.9% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Kirkland or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Kirkland is 4.1 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 Kirkland?
Kirkland, Washington provides breathtaking views of Lake Washington and within city limits there are three additional lakes - Juanita Bay Park and Mercer Slough Nature Park offer unique wildlife habitats as well as plenty of recreational opportunities for exploring.

 Santa Cruz, CAKirkland, WAUnited States
 Population  Unlock91,656329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.838.4
 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 Kirkland    14 Reviews

Over 7 years ago

12 years in Kirkland. It sure changed but love it. Great waterfront, restaurants, art galleries, public transportation, parks, and schools. And only 20 minutes from  More

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Beautiful water and mountain views, enticing wailing culture, bars, restaurants and upscale shopping. Lived here for 7 years now and lookig to move to someplace sunnier  More

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Over 14 years ago

We are not living in our home in Kirkland at the moment (retired now and moving about) and we miss it. Our home is in a lovely small cul de sac and backs on to a  More

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