2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Monica, CA vs San Jose, CA

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Highlights
Are people in San Jose older or younger than people in Santa Monica?
- The Median Age in San Jose is 3.9 years younger than in Santa Monica.

Are housing costs cheaper in San Jose or Santa Monica?
- San Jose housing costs are 28.5% less expensive than Santa Monica housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, San Jose or Santa Monica?
- The average commute for residents of San Jose is 3.2 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 San Jose?
San Jose, California is a vibrant city filled with attractions, activities and events for all ages. From world-class museums like the Tech Museum of Innovation, to family-friendly destinations like the Children’s Discovery Museum - there's something for everyone in this city. The colorful downtown district boasts an array of shops, restaurants and entertainment to satisfy any traveler, while outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring its nearby parks and trails. With its temperate climate, San Jose offers endless opportunities for year-round fun in the sun - making it an ideal destination for any adventure seeker!

 Santa Monica, CASan Jose, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock1,013,337329,725,481
 Median Income$99,847  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,656,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%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 San Jose    90 Reviews

I've lived in west San Jose/Cambrian, between Los Gatos and Almaden SJ since 1997. This side of town somehow avoided the erosion of the American dream. Houses are  More

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I lived in San Jose for 40 years. That’s during the most exciting time when the Silicon Valley was booming with real technology and San Jose was ranked as the safest big  More

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Over 4 years ago

I've lived in San Jose, CA for 25 years. This city is being over run with crime and gangs. The cost of living is very high. Granted, you are so close to mountains,  More

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