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

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Sonoma?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 25.1 years younger than in Sonoma.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Sonoma?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 40.2% more expensive than Sonoma housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Sonoma?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 2.9 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 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.

 Sonoma, CASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$92,078  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$906,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%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 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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