2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Sonoma, CA vs Santa Barbara, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Sonoma?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 15.0 years younger than in Sonoma.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Sonoma?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 68.2% more expensive than Sonoma housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Sonoma?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 9.2 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Sonoma.

Things to do in Sonoma?
Sonoma, CA is an attractive town northwest of San Francisco full of incredible sites such as Jack London State Historic Park Displaying its distinct landscape or Sonoma Valley Regional Park great for recreational activities; visitors can also join in the magnificent Vintage Festival celebrating culture through arts and music every May.

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.

 Sonoma, CASanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$92,078  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$906,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time26.34  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Sonoma    12 Reviews

Over 12 years ago

I love Sonoma. Moved here from Texas and I can't wait to live in this small town with country living all around. I hate all the drama and crime in Vallejo. I live in  More

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I have lived in Sonoma for 3 years now. I relocated after a brief stint in Salt Lake City but lived in San Francisco for 30 years before that. If you like small town  More

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The best aspects of living in Sonoma County,CA: Air quality is best that one can ask for and there is no severe weather. No hazardous weather driving or walking  More

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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

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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

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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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