2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Seattle, WA

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Highlights
Are people in Seattle older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Seattle is 6.3 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Seattle or Santa Cruz?
- Seattle housing costs are 35.2% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Seattle or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Seattle is 4.0 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 Seattle?
Seattle, Washington is a vibrant city with something for everyone. Enjoy stunning views of the Cascade Mountains or take a stroll down the iconic Pike Place Market and sample some of the best seafood around. Take in the sights at the Space Needle or explore history by visiting Chihuly Garden and Glass. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails within city limits, as well as many parks and gardens to explore. With its eclectic culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and abundance of activities, Seattle offers something for all kinds of travelers!

 Santa Cruz, CASeattle, WAUnited States
 Population  Unlock726,054329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.8%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 Seattle    321 Reviews

I have lived here since 1975, I moved here from California but was born and raised in Michigan. I would have to say that I never regretted leaving Michigan and their  More

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Over 3 years ago

I’ve lived in Seattle for just under 7 years and while it can be a stunningly beautiful place, I am very excited to leave. I’ll start with some of the positive aspects.  More

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if you can afford it, Seattle is a very nice place to live and raise a family! however, it is extremely expensive and in the winter, it's rather gloomy. i love gloomy  More

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