2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Shelby, MI

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Highlights
Are people in Shelby older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Shelby is 0.7 years younger than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Shelby or Santa Cruz?
- Shelby housing costs are 85.6% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Shelby or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Shelby is 6.5 minutes shorter 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 Shelby?
Living in Shelby, MI is a wonderful experience. The town is small and quiet, with a population of just over 5,000 people. It has a laid back atmosphere and friendly residents who are happy to welcome newcomers. There are plenty of activities to do in the area, including fishing and boating on the nearby Lake Michigan beaches and trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. In the winter months you can enjoy snowmobiling or cross-country skiing at the many ski areas in the region. If you're looking for some fun nightlife options, Shelby also has a few pubs and restaurants that offer live music or karaoke nights. No matter what your preference is, there's something for everyone in this charming small town!

 Santa Cruz, CAShelby, MIUnited States
 Population  Unlock2,627329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock28.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock8.0%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 6 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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