2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Monica, CA vs Imperial Beach, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Imperial Beach older or younger than people in Santa Monica?
- The Median Age in Imperial Beach is 8.0 years younger than in Santa Monica.

Are housing costs cheaper in Imperial Beach or Santa Monica?
- Imperial Beach housing costs are 51.4% less expensive than Santa Monica housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Imperial Beach or Santa Monica?
- The average commute for residents of Imperial Beach is 0.8 minutes longer than it is for residents of Santa Monica.

Things to do in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica, California is a vibrant beach city located in Los Angeles County. This popular destination offers something for everyone, from world-class shopping and dining to outdoor activities like surfing and biking along the beachside path. Cultural attractions like the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and the nearby Getty Villa make it easy to explore the area's history and art. Nightlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the countless bars, nightclubs, and lounges scattered throughout town. With its many attractions and activities, Santa Monica is sure to make your vacation unforgettable!

Things to do in Imperial Beach?
Imperial Beach, CA is a beachfront community located in San Diego County. It’s known for its year-round sunny climate and picturesque waterfront, allowing visitors to enjoy activities like surfing and swimming in the warm Pacific Ocean. The city also offers a variety of restaurants and shops along its boardwalk, making it an ideal destination for both locals and tourists alike.

 Santa Monica, CAImperial Beach, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock26,375329,725,481
 Median Income$99,847  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock33.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,656,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock9.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time26.18  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Santa Monica    24 Reviews

I moved here to Santa Monica over 10 years ago from Oklahoma City. I was surprised to see that Oklahoma City was ranked higher than Santa Monica on best places. I  More

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I've lived in Santa Monica for over 30 years. It's a Mediterranean climate--sunny and temperate when the rest of the country is under snow! I am walking distance to  More

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I have lived in this city for 4 decades, and it is never been worse than it is now. It is a dangerous disgusting hell hole. Between the crime, the homeless that are not  More

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Reviews for Imperial Beach    5 Reviews

Over 13 years ago

In my opinion, imperial beach is the best place to live. IB is the perfect place to raise a family. It has the perfect amount of the good and the bad.  More

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My wife and I moved here from Chula Vista, CA before we knew she was pregnant, attracted by the opportunity to live right near the ocean; in a small, albeit somewhat  More

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Over 19 years ago

Come live in San Diego's most affordable beach community...Imperial  More

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