2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Tucson, AZ

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Highlights
Are people in Tucson older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Tucson is 5.2 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Tucson or Santa Cruz?
- Tucson housing costs are 76.1% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Tucson or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Tucson is 1.2 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 Tucson?
Tucson, Arizona is an exciting and vibrant city with an array of attractions. Explore the Mission San Xavier del Bac or take a trip to nearby Sabino Canyon for some outdoor recreation. Spend the day touring the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or visit downtown Tucscon for some great shopping and dining. Those looking for a more adventurous experience can visit Saguaro National Park or try their hand at rock climbing in Tucson Mountain Park. From its unique desert beauty to its interesting culture, Tucson is sure to provide an unforgettable experience!

 Santa Cruz, CATucson, AZUnited States
 Population  Unlock538,167329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.4%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 Tucson    287 Reviews

My wife and I characterize ourselves as a young couple, well educated, with decent positions and we’re Tucson natives. We’ve observed our quality of life from both a  More

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Over 1 years ago

I was reading the reviews for Tucson, and after living there for 6 years, I feel the need to weigh in. There are many pros in Tucson: access to recreational areas,  More

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I spend considerable time in and around Tucson, and I've see it rapidly going "downhill" since 2020. It's definitely not the nice town I remember from when I was a  More

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