2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Solana Beach, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Solana Beach?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 17.4 years younger than in Solana Beach.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Solana Beach?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 32.9% less expensive than Solana Beach housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Solana Beach?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 0.3 minutes longer than it is for residents of Solana Beach.

Things to do in Solana Beach?
Solana Beach, CA is an incorporated city situated north of San Diego in San Diego County with a population estimated around 13400 people living there. Solana Beach provides visitors access to Fletcher Cove Beach open 365 days a year along with many restaurants offering cuisines from Asian-fusion to classic American taking advantage of locally sourced ingredients gathered at regular farmers markets held all over town. Tourists can also find here great shopping opportunities while enjoying breathtaking views while strolling through Cedros Avenue Design District displaying works from renowned artists or experience annual Fiestas de Las Lanchas celebration honoring this community's long standing Mexican heritage making it one of the most popular destination in California.

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.

 Solana Beach, CASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$113,903  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,893,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.2  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Solana Beach    3 Reviews

I've lived in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Venice Beach, Hermosa Beach, San Luis Obispo, Carlsbad, Encinitas and my wife and I saved up every penny we could to buy a  More

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Rent has skyrocketed in Solana Beach in the past ten years. High rent and more people cramming into single person rental units.   More

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Over 20 years ago

Very expensive. Being from east coast it was hard because people dont speak to you in normal situations..example , picking up kids from school ..if you pass a parent  More

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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

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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

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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

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