2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Seaside, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Seaside?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 4.9 years younger than in Seaside.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Seaside?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 75.2% more expensive than Seaside housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Seaside?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 3.1 minutes longer than it is for residents of Seaside.

Things to do in Seaside?
Seaside CA is located on California’s northern coast near Monterey Bay offering stunning views of nature combined with family friendly attractions from art galleries to pier strolling.

Things to do in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz, California is an incredible city located in the heart of the Monterey Bay area. This beautiful city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the stunning natural beaches or the charming downtown area. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park, and Seymour Marine Discovery Center. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Santa Cruz their home.

 Seaside, CASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$74,140  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$725,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time20.32  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Seaside    4 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

I’ve lived in Seaside for the past 20 years and I love it. I’m a fourth generation Monterey Bay family. Seaside hands down has the best views in the Monterey Bay. It’s a  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

Housing in Seaside is more affordable than it was, mainly due to the bursting of the housing bubble. There are still problems, though, mainly because of the huge number  More

   |    Reply

Over 19 years ago

unless you went to grad school, or are already rich, don't expect to be able to get a nice house here. You'll be house-poor(not able to afford anything outside of your  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Seaside

Reviews for Santa Cruz    44 Reviews

I lived in the Santa Cruz area for 20 years. UCSC alum. Our kids were born there. There are wonderful things about Santa Cruz, but also many serious problems that we  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

I have been here for four generations! My kids are the fifth. I guess that should tell you how wonderful it is here, at least for us. It's so cool to have world class  More

   |    Reply

I was born over the hill in San Jose area, and as a kid I loved coming over to the boardwalk. Santa Cruz has always been and always will be a town of diversity,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Cruz


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.