2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Washington, DC vs Santa Cruz, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Washington?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 5.3 years younger than in Washington.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Washington?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 97.1% more expensive than Washington housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Washington?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 6.6 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Washington.

Things to do in Washington?
Washington D.C. is a vibrant city full of history and culture. Visit the iconic landmarks like the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, or the Smithsonian Museums - all within walking distance of each other. Explore famous monuments such as The Washington Monument or take a tour of Capitol Hill and experience our nation's political history firsthand. With its dynamic nightlife scene, world-class restaurants, and abundance of art and cultural institutions, Washington D.C. has something to offer every kind of traveler!

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.

 Washington, DCSanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$93,547  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$644,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.04  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Washington    97 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Living in DC long term brings on a kind of insidious misery. A long, slow, simmering down of any natural optimism or desire for a better future. It’s a leach of a town  More

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Over 5 years ago

Parts are beautiful but alot is rundown and ghetto. They always show the monuments and upper nw neighborhoods but never show hoods across the Anacostia River. Crime is  More

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Moved to DC 40 years ago from Mpls-St. Paul. DC is an amazing town. Downside is people are very competitive, everything is expensive. Great restaurants, foodie heaven  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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