2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Ocala, FL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Ocala or is it cheaper to live in Santa Cruz?
- Ocala is 53.2% less expensive than Santa Cruz.

Which city has more affordable housing, Ocala or Santa Cruz?
- Ocala housing costs are 84.8% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Santa Cruz or is Health Care more affordable in Ocala.
- Health related expenses are 10.6% less in Ocala.
 Santa Cruz, CAOcala, FLUnited States
 Overall  Unlock87.0100
 Food & Groceries111.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock97.6100
 Housing420.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$278,500$338,100
 Utilities94  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock82.1100
 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 6 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 Ocala    56 Reviews

My wife and I have lived in Ocala as retirees since 2014 and we love it here. It is definitely a place for retired folks. There is lots to do here for us. As for  More

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I lived here for 12 years during my 20's to early 30's. Raised my children and started careers. This place offered plenty of work, good neighbors and lots of memories.  More

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Over 4 years ago

I like this city, a small town and a lot to offer for adults between 30 to seniors. Now if you planing to move with teens is not for you, unless you coming from another  More

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