2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Maria, CA vs Barstow, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Barstow older or younger than people in Santa Maria?
- The Median Age in Barstow is 1.4 years older than in Santa Maria.

Are housing costs cheaper in Barstow or Santa Maria?
- Barstow housing costs are 56.3% less expensive than Santa Maria housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Barstow or Santa Maria?
- The average commute for residents of Barstow is 1.4 minutes longer than it is for residents of Santa Maria.

Things to do in Santa Maria?
Santa Maria, California is a vibrant city located in Santa Barbara County. From its stunning coastal landscape to its various cultural attractions, there's something for everyone in Santa Maria! Visitors can explore outdoor activities like Pismo Beach or takein some culture at places like the Allan Hancock College Museum of Natural History. Plus, those looking for an educational experience can browse sites like the Fremont Theater or the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. And when they've had their fill of activities, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal from restaurants like Taqueria Don Beto or Mingos Mexican Restaurant. With so much to offer, Santa Maria makes for an unforgettable experience!

Things to do in Barstow?
Barstow is an incorporated city sitting within San Bernardino County, California featuring plenty of attractions such as exploring its multiple trails ideal for biking or jogging plus nearby Fort Irwin National Training Center provides amazing views close by. Additionally there are numerous locally owned stores and eateries providing unique items or delicious cuisine great for any budget during their stay here!

 Santa Maria, CABarstow, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock25,123329,725,481
 Median Income$73,300  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock30.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$565,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.8%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time20.79  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Santa Maria    12 Reviews

Over 6 years ago

I live in Orcutt which is a town of around 35,000 on the south side of Santa Maria. Santa Maria has, as everyone has noted, the best climate in the world. It never  More

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I have lived in Santa Maria / Orcutt for several years, but it is time to leave. I have no issues with the weather. Our climate is mild and comfortable with no extremes.  More

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The weather is very mild without a huge temperature change with the seasons. The winters are chilly but not cold and the summers are warm but not hot. Of course there  More

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Reviews for Barstow    14 Reviews

Mike · 

The positive of Barstow- yes there is something positive that can be said about Barstow. At least it's not as bad as South Lake Tahoe. The only reason it gets 2 stars  More

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Over 7 years ago

Just a place to travel thru. Cheap alternative to LA suburbs, about 70 miles or Palm Springs. It is in high Mojave desert, hot in the summer, 100-110, can get down  More

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Be careful is all I can say. I moved there with the focus to buy a home the investor Cliff Unegbu AKA Clifford Unegbu will rip off as many people as he can and use  More

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