2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Poway, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Poway or is it cheaper to live in Santa Cruz?
- Poway is 16.7% less expensive than Santa Cruz.

Which city has more affordable housing, Poway or Santa Cruz?
- Poway housing costs are 23.7% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Santa Cruz or is Health Care more affordable in Poway.
- Health related expenses are 18.5% less in Poway.
 Santa Cruz, CAPoway, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries111.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing420.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,000,800$338,100
 Utilities94  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock121.4100
 Miscellaneous155.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Cruz

Reviews for Poway    10 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Poway is a great place to live. People are friendly, neighbors watch out for each other. Great trails, beautiful views. Love to hear the birds. Family oriented. Yes  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

Moved here 37 years ago and love the birds singing in the morning, minimal traffic noise, and convenience to Carmel Mountain Ranch for shopping. Easy access to the  More

   |    Reply

I've lived here for 30 years. Back 30 years ago it was great. Small town, friendly people, etc. NOW Traffic is pretty bad but still better than most of SD county. I'm  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Poway


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.