2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Walnut Creek, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Walnut Creek older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Walnut Creek is 18.8 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Walnut Creek or Santa Cruz?
- Walnut Creek housing costs are 19.3% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Walnut Creek or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Walnut Creek is 10.1 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 Walnut Creek?
Walnut Creek, California is a vibrant city located in the northern region of the United States. Home to attractions such as Mount Diablo State Park and Ruth Bancroft Garden, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and nature when visiting Walnut Creek. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, shops, restaurants and performance venues such as Lesher Centre for the Arts and Contra Costa Musical Theatre. For entertainment, visitors can explore downtown shopping districts along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Walnut Creek has something for everyone!

 Santa Cruz, CAWalnut Creek, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock69,876329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock47.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.0%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 Walnut Creek    16 Reviews

Apart from the congestion, Walnut Creek is one of the best places in the San Francisco Bay Area to live. It is one of the most compact/walkable cities in the entire area  More

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Over 7 years ago

Almost all of Walnut Creek water comes from Pardee dam through an enclosed pipeline. That water is direct from the high Sierras. Among the best water quality in the  More

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Over 7 years ago

I grew up in Southern California and am no stranger to a more inland California climate. Before moving to WC I lived in San Francisco for 15 years where it is obviously  More

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