2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Laguna Beach, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Laguna Beach older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Laguna Beach is 23.5 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Laguna Beach or Santa Cruz?
- Laguna Beach housing costs are 115.7% more expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Laguna Beach or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Laguna Beach is 3.6 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 Laguna Beach?
Laguna Beach is an incorporated city situated within Orange County, California boasting plenty of activities like visiting its local museums like the Laguna Art Museum suitable for anyone interested in the area's history plus nearby Heisler Park has various events and exhibits convenienty situated close by. There are also several shopping outlets and eateries providing unique items or delicious cuisine good for anyone looking to browse around or have a meal out during their visit here!

 Santa Cruz, CALaguna Beach, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock23,121329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock52.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.1%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 Laguna Beach    3 Reviews

Over 13 years ago

... always great to go home to. But i don't live there now, haven't for 10 years. Beautiful as it is, if you've got wanderlust you're always somewhere else. Avoid  More

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Over 16 years ago

Mediterranean climate, one of the best in the  More

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Laguna Beach is peaceful and beautiful. If you have the money for housing you will enjoy living here. However, during the seasonal Pageant of the Masters and Summer Art  More

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