2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Somerville, MA vs Petaluma, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Petaluma older or younger than people in Somerville?
- The Median Age in Petaluma is 11.0 years older than in Somerville.

Are housing costs cheaper in Petaluma or Somerville?
- Petaluma housing costs are 10.1% more expensive than Somerville housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Petaluma or Somerville?
- The average commute for residents of Petaluma is 1.4 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Somerville.

Things to do in Somerville?
Somerville, Massachusetts offers a unique mix between its university campuses like Harvard Square or Tufts University combined with enough shops and restaurants on Davis Square for any night owl.

Things to do in Petaluma?
Petaluma, California is a charming city located in Sonoma County, approximately 52 miles north of San Francisco. The city was first settled by Europeans in the 1850s and is known today for its historic downtown area full of antique stores, restaurants and specialty shops. Petaluma has something for everyone with its unique shops, farms, vineyards, ranches, community events and scenic hikes. It has become an increasingly popular destination due to its laid-back atmosphere and close proximity to wine country and the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation or a romantic getaway, Petaluma awaits!

 Somerville, MAPetaluma, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock60,050329,725,481
 Median Income$108,896  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$762,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time31.57  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Somerville    3 Reviews

I've lived in Somerville/Cambridge for 10 years, the last 4.5 with my husband in Spring Hill. It really is a great place to live if you are in your 20s & 30s: it is  More

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Living in Somerville is OK. I'm not a 'city' person and I would rather be out in the country some place, but it's not too bad here. I'm in my early 50s and own a house.  More

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Over 17 years ago

we are midwest transplants to the Boston area and lucked out by finding this great little neighborhood - right on the train line, little stores and good community - we  More

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Reviews for Petaluma    16 Reviews

I agree with the low star reviews. Been here for 25 years, raised a family and seen everything turn to the left and worse. Weather is glorious, love the old Victorians  More

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We’ve lived here for 3 years and we love it. It has taken some time to grow on us. We moved from SF where we had lived over 15 years, we were not used to one year leases  More

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I’ve lived here a couple of years (after living in others parts of the Bay Area for 15+ years) and I love it! Great neighborhoods, friendly folks, good schools with  More

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