2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Waukegan, IL vs Santa Barbara, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Waukegan?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 4.9 years older than in Waukegan.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Waukegan?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 739.1% more expensive than Waukegan housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Waukegan?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 9.0 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Waukegan.

Things to do in Waukegan?
Waukegan, Illinois sits on Lake Michigan’s banks boasting 30 miles worth of sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing or playing beach volleyball along with other activities such as biking trails around Bowen Park or fly fishing in Mill Creek.

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.

 Waukegan, ILSanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$58,844  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$181,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time26.17  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Waukegan    3 Reviews

Great people, beautifully diverse. All live and work together to provide the best for all residents. Lake County College is completing a 40 million dollar building  More

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Over 12 years ago

We're looking for a moderate climate. Waukegan is on Lake Michigan and could have a dynamic vibrant downtown but it doesn't. Great master plan if somehow Waukegan can  More

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Over 17 years ago

I have been living in north east waukegan for 12 years and I am excited by the recent surge of growth in the downtown area. Thanks to the Genesee theater, there are  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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