2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Los Altos, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Los Altos older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Los Altos is 16.8 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Los Altos or Santa Cruz?
- Los Altos housing costs are 193.3% more expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Los Altos or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Los Altos is 0.4 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 Los Altos?
Los Altos CA lies within Silicon Valley making this tech mecca one full of opportunity with major employers as well as attractions like Shoreline Amphitheater or even exploring one of over 50 regional parks sprinkled throughout Santa Clara County!

 Santa Cruz, CALos Altos, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock31,562329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock45.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.9%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 Los Altos    2 Reviews

Over 17 years ago

Expensive but worth  More

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Over 17 years ago

the quality of life here is very high however the cost of living is also high. extremely high as a matter of fact. I'd like to look at other communities that are less  More

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