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

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Highlights
Are people in Pasadena older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Pasadena is 10.1 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Pasadena or Santa Cruz?
- Pasadena housing costs are 19.4% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Pasadena or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Pasadena is 4.6 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 Pasadena?
Pasadena, California is a vibrant city located in Los Angeles County. This welcoming community offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the stunning Norton Simon Museum of Art or one of many popular restaurants. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at the Rose Bowl and Old Town Pasadena. With its excellent school system, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Pasadena their home.

 Santa Cruz, CAPasadena, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock138,771329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock9.0%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 Pasadena    19 Reviews

Pasadena is a little slice of the world in the foothills above the San Gabriel Valley. It has everything you could want. Check out my video on the cost of living in  More

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Over 10 years ago

The weather in Pasadena, CA is rather pleasant. It does not get cold here, it used to be around the first two weeks of December it could go down to 32-28 F, only a few  More

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Over 11 years ago

Great place to live for all ages and enjoy mostly sunny  More

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