2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Scottsdale, AZ vs Santa Barbara, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Scottsdale?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 8.8 years younger than in Scottsdale.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Scottsdale?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 111.5% more expensive than Scottsdale housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Scottsdale?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 5.0 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Scottsdale.

Things to do in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale, Arizona is a picturesque city located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Home to numerous upscale resorts and boutiques, it's an ideal spot for luxury travelers to visit. Enjoy a round of golf at one of the world-class courses or explore the desert on foot with a hike through the McDowell Mountains. Savor unique culinary creations from award-winning restaurants or take in a show at one of the many performing arts venues. With its breathtaking views and endless activities, Scottsdale is perfect for any visitor!

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.

 Scottsdale, AZSanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$97,409  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$721,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.11  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Scottsdale    84 Reviews

It's been a long time since I visited Scottsdale after visiting a few times a decade ago. It used to be more of an area that deserved it's punchlines for being stuck up  More

   |    Reply

Over 1 years ago

My son went to ASU in '99 which is how we ended up here from Northern Illinois. Over the years we came out for vacations and bought a second home until we finally made  More

   |    Reply

I lived in San Jose for 30 years...in the late '50s. I walked thru cherry orchards to school. After college classes, I drove 20 minutes to the beach. San Francisco was  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Scottsdale

Reviews for Santa Barbara    51 Reviews

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

   |    Reply

Over 4 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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Barbara


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.