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2024 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Monica, CA vs Santa Barbara, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Santa Monica?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 2.3 years younger than in Santa Monica.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Santa Monica?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 7.9% less expensive than Santa Monica housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Santa Monica?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 9.0 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 Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara, California has something for everyone - from fantastic beaches to world-class shopping and dining experiences. Visitors can explore Old Mission Santa Barbara or take part in various water activities around Stearns Wharf.

 Santa Monica, CASanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population92,82889,132329,725,481
 Median Income$99,847$89,243$69,021
 Median Age41.439.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,656,900$1,525,500$338,100
 Unemployment Rate7.9%4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time26.1817.1526.38

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Reviews for Santa Monica    24 Reviews
Renee · Santa Monica, CA
My comp of Okc vs SM differs from stars shown here
Over 3 years ago

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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Cynthia · Santa Monica, CA
Best investment I've made.
Over 3 years ago

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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John · Santa Monica, CA
Stay away. This place is dangerous.
Over 5 years ago

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 Santa Barbara    51 Reviews
Kitt · Alhambra, CA
ONCE BEAUTIFUL, NOW RUINED
Over 3 years ago

I moved to Santa Barbara around 23 years ago to study at Brooks, which like most of the Santa Barbara that I knew—has been destroyed. Homelessness, drugs, gangs, high  More

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Griesel · Santa Barbara, CA
Beautiful and friendly
Over 3 years ago

I fell in love with Santa Barbara about thirty years ago and finally moved here a few years ago. Because of the price of homes, it is an expensive place to live. The  More

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John · Santa Barbara, CA
A once great town goes downhill
Over 3 years ago

If you like high crime, paying a $4,500 a month mortgage and crazy high taxes, this is the place for you. It’s too bad because it wasn’t always like this. When I moved  More

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COMPARE COST OF LIVING
Compare Santa Monica, California Cost of Living vs Santa Barbara, California Cost of Living: Taxes, Childcare, Groceries, Health...
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ZIPS IN SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA
90405 90403 90404 90402 90401
ZIPS IN SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA
93101 93105 93103 93110 93109
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