2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Morro Bay, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Morro Bay older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Morro Bay is 22.3 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Morro Bay or Santa Cruz?
- Morro Bay housing costs are 28.7% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Morro Bay or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Morro Bay is 1.7 minutes shorter 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 Morro Bay?
Morro Bay, CA is located in San Luis Obispo county boasting a population close to 10,400 people. Here you can find attractions like Morro Strand State Beach which features various monuments perfect for history buffs while also taking part in various festivals like the Annual Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival showcasing some of the area's best talent throughout the year!

 Santa Cruz, CAMorro Bay, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock10,785329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock51.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.8%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 Morro Bay    2 Reviews

Over 12 years ago

Morro Bay is mostly a small,quiet,working fishing and retirement community.It is located approximately 12 miles north of San Luis Obispo,Ca.The weather here is mild most  More

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Beautiful area, right on the ocean, cool huge rock in the water. I love the small, walkable community and the farmers market is awesome. The temperature is always  More

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