2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Tacoma, WA vs Santa Barbara, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Tacoma?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 2.4 years older than in Tacoma.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Tacoma?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 235.9% more expensive than Tacoma housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Tacoma?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 10.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Tacoma.

Things to do in Tacoma?
Tacoma, Washington is a vibrant city full of opportunities for exploration and recreation. Nature lovers can take advantage of the stunning views from Mount Rainier National Park or explore giant trees at Point Defiance Park. History buffs can visit the Museum of Glass to learn about the area's unique glass culture or explore the local history at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. Art enthusiasts can join a painting class at Spaceworks Gallery or attend an art exhibit at Tacoma Art Museum. Foodies will love browsing through dozens of eateries and breweries in the city while shoppers can find some great deals at Tacoma Mall. With its wide variety of attractions, Tacoma is sure to have something for everyone!

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.

 Tacoma, WASanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$69,956  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$454,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time28.05  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Tacoma    40 Reviews

I've lived in Tacoma for 3.5 years and love it! It's not a perfect city, nowhere is perfect and Tacoma does have its' share of problems, but overall have found T-Town  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

We LOVE tacoma. Grew up in Seattle, and tacoma is so much better! Easy access to the water, hiking, and Mt Rainier and the Olympics. We love the coffee shops and  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

Having lived over half my life here I can tell you real friends are few and far between. You will go through many and only have a handful who stick with you. Your  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Tacoma

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Barbara


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.