2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Madera, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Madera older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Madera is 0.2 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Madera or Santa Cruz?
- Madera housing costs are 72.4% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Madera or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Madera is 0.8 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 Madera?
Madera, California is a vibrant town located in central Fresno County. This attractive community offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park or the historic Madera County Courthouse Museum. Residents here also enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities at Lions Town and Country Park or the Madera Municipal Golf Course. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Madera their home.

 Santa Cruz, CAMadera, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock66,173329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock29.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock10.0%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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Cruz

Reviews for Madera    2 Reviews

I live here for the pass 4 years and in these years I lived in a fifth wheeler I owned a RV motor home but my dreams of selling it went out the window on the4 morning  More

   |    Reply

I live in Madera, Ca. and it has been listed in Sperling's BestPlaces as having a home medium price of $315,000 and a population of approx. 35,000. As an update to  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Madera


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.