2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Waukesha, WI vs Santa Cruz, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in Waukesha?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 7.0 years younger than in Waukesha.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or Waukesha?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 343.9% more expensive than Waukesha housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or Waukesha?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 1.2 minutes longer than it is for residents of Waukesha.

Things to do in Waukesha?
Waukesha, Wisconsin is a vibrant city located in the Midwest United States. Home to attractions such as Fox River Park and Frame Park visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and nature when visiting Waukesha. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as the Carroll University Center for the Arts and the Waukesha Civic Theatre. For entertainment, visitors can explore downtown shopping districts and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Waukesha has something for everyone!

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.

 Waukesha, WISanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$71,733  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$286,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.27  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Waukesha    7 Reviews

I lived in waukesha for 37 years. It's home, it's where I grew up but it's a bit of a dump. They're trying hard to make it nice but its just not that great of a place to  More

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Over 12 years ago

I lived in Waukesha in 2006 while on a contract position for a precast design company. I found Waukesha to be a very enjoyable place to live. It is a very place to live  More

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Over 16 years ago

Waukesha is a small city, 65K population, with the amenities of a larger town. Its access to library, daily shopping, mainline restaurant fare and outside activity is  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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