2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs San Clemente, CA

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Highlights
Are people in San Clemente older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in San Clemente is 14.8 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in San Clemente or Santa Cruz?
- San Clemente housing costs are 13.7% more expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, San Clemente or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of San Clemente is 5.6 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 San Clemente?
San Clemente, California is an incredible city located in the heart of Orange County. This stunning coastal town offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the breathtaking beaches or historic Spanish Village. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at San Clemente State Beach, San Onofre State Beach, and Trestles Beach. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make San Clemente their home.

 Santa Cruz, CASan Clemente, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock64,600329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock43.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.0%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 San Clemente    9 Reviews

Over 14 years ago

First, the big plus of San Clemente is the weather. It is wonderful and most of the time you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Second, the area has a natural  More

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Over 17 years ago

2005, 2006, 2007 one homicide 2008  More

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Over 17 years ago

I first moved to San Clemente in 1974 from the Los Angeles area. Three things struck me at the time as being radically different than LA: Things closed down earlier,  More

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