2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Monica, CA vs Palm Springs, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Palm Springs older or younger than people in Santa Monica?
- The Median Age in Palm Springs is 15.2 years older than in Santa Monica.

Are housing costs cheaper in Palm Springs or Santa Monica?
- Palm Springs housing costs are 62.6% less expensive than Santa Monica housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Palm Springs or Santa Monica?
- The average commute for residents of Palm Springs is 5.4 minutes shorter 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 Palm Springs?
Palm Springs, CA is a desert oasis surrounded by majestic mountain peaks in the Coachella Valley of Southern California. It is known for its chic resorts and bustling downtown filled with art galleries and lively nightlife. With a population of over 48,000, Palm Springs offers year-round sunshine and plenty of leisure activities such as golf, tennis, hiking and more.

 Santa Monica, CAPalm Springs, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock44,799329,725,481
 Median Income$99,847  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock56.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,656,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.5%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 Palm Springs    12 Reviews

I lived in Palm Springs for 12 years and initially it appeared to be quite beautiful. The mountains are beautiful and palm trees, very stress-free and manageable.  More

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Over 5 years ago

14 years is plenty long enough. This is a nice place to visit, not live. In the last 20 years the air quality, especially in the summer has deteriorated considerably.  More

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Ghetto Crime City with lots of glitz... Police do nothing. Called 911 three times in a year: twice, no response. Provided the license plate of the criminals in two  More

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