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

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Highlights
Are people in Laguna Niguel older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Laguna Niguel is 18.2 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Laguna Niguel or Santa Cruz?
- Laguna Niguel housing costs are 8.3% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Laguna Niguel or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Laguna Niguel is 5.8 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 Niguel?
Laguna Niguel, California is an incredible city located in Orange County. This picturesque city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the beautiful Laguna Niguel Regional Park or the serene Salt Creek Beach. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Alicia Park, Crown Valley Community Park, and La Paz Sports Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Laguna Niguel their home.

 Santa Cruz, CALaguna Niguel, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock64,608329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock47.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%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 Niguel    19 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

I have lived in Laguna Niguel for over 20 years. After living in many of the surrounding cities, I found Laguna Niguel to be more laid back making it the perfect area  More

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This is, we think, a wonderful place to live. Friendly people, convenient to shopping, restaurants, beaches, etc. Weather is mild and beautiful. Everything is clean and  More

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Over 7 years ago

ANYONE THINKING ABOUT MOVING TO LAGUNA NIGUEL HAD BETTER RETHINK THEIR DECISION IF IT IS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE LAGUNA KNOWLS H.O.A. IT IS THE MOST RACIALLY  More

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