2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Mill Valley, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Mill Valley or is it cheaper to live in Santa Cruz?
- Mill Valley is 23.7% more expensive than Santa Cruz.

Which city has more affordable housing, Mill Valley or Santa Cruz?
- Mill Valley housing costs are 48.8% more expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Santa Cruz or is Health Care more affordable in Mill Valley.
- Health related expenses are 0.8% more in Mill Valley.
 Santa Cruz, CAMill Valley, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock230.1100
 Food & Groceries111.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock110.1100
 Housing420.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,814,300$338,100
 Utilities94  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock122.4100
 Miscellaneous155.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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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 Mill Valley    7 Reviews

I lived in southern Marin County for 20 years and lived it. Just moved  More

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Over 15 years ago

Mill Valley is a perfect place to live and raise a family, if you don't mind a cost of living index of 233. Don't distress - go mountain biking or hiking with  More

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Over 16 years ago

Good weather all year around. Great public schools. Cost of living very high. Crime low wonderful outdoor activities nearby like hiking, beaches,  More

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