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

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Highlights
Are people in Orinda older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Orinda is 20.0 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Orinda or Santa Cruz?
- Orinda housing costs are 55.2% more expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Orinda or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Orinda is 11.1 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 Orinda?
Orinda, CA is a picturesque city located in the hills of Contra Costa County. Home to approximately 20,000 residents, Orinda offers spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay and surrounding rolling hills. Residents of Orinda enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, as well as restaurants and shops in the charming downtown area. With its quiet atmosphere, friendly citizens and vibrant community, Orinda is an ideal place to live or visit.

 Santa Cruz, CAOrinda, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock19,497329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock4938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.8%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 Orinda    3 Reviews

Orinda is an extremely safe, quiet, bucolic place to live. The schools are incredible, parent participation is maximal. It's close to everything and yet has a feeling of  More

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Over 16 years ago

Weather in Orinda is  More

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Over 17 years ago

Being ranked the number one public high school system in California says little for this small rural upscale community. With a high percentage of college graduates with  More

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