2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs New Brunswick, NJ

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Highlights
Are people in New Brunswick older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in New Brunswick is 5.3 years younger than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in New Brunswick or Santa Cruz?
- New Brunswick housing costs are 72.5% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, New Brunswick or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of New Brunswick is 2.7 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 New Brunswick?
New Brunswick, New Jersey is an exciting city situated in the central part of the state. With its rich history, cultural offerings and abundance of recreational activities, New Brunswick has something for everyone to enjoy. The city boasts a number of popular attractions like the Zimmerli Art Museum and Rutgers Gardens as well as many delicious restaurants and lively entertainment venues. In addition to its vibrant culture, New Brunswick also offers a wide variety of educational opportunities ranging from small private colleges to major universities such as Rutgers University. Whether you’re looking for a place to live or visit, New Brunswick has something for everyone!

 Santa Cruz, CANew Brunswick, NJUnited States
 Population  Unlock55,671329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.6%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 New Brunswick    4 Reviews

As an undergrad at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, I have lived here for 4 years -- 2 inside the University dormitories on College Ave Campus and 2 in a rented house  More

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Over 16 years ago

Between the entitled drivers, Jersey manners, and new student drivers, nevermind insane bus drivers and trucks speeding on narrow streets, driving around here will  More

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It is sad to see the city that I was born in 1959 and lived until 1972 decline so. Not only is it overpriced, perhaps because of the university or it being a suburb for  More

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