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

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Barbara older or younger than people in Wilmette?
- The Median Age in Santa Barbara is 6.5 years younger than in Wilmette.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Barbara or Wilmette?
- Santa Barbara housing costs are 105.2% more expensive than Wilmette housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Barbara or Wilmette?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Barbara is 16.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Wilmette.

Things to do in Wilmette?
Wilmette, IL is a vibrant community located just north of downtown Chicago. With an estimated population of 27,000 people, Wilmette offers something special for everyone. From outdoor activities like jogging the lakefront and picnicking at Gillson Park to shopping and dining at Plaza del lago, there’s always something to explore and enjoy in this lively town. Wilmette is also home to several higher education institutions such as Northwestern University and Loyola University Chicago which provide excellent academic opportunities for students of all ages. With its convenient location near Lake Michigan and progressive cultural offerings, Wilmette is the perfect destination for work or play no matter what you’re looking for!

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.

 Wilmette, ILSanta Barbara, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,132329,725,481
 Median Income$173,967  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$743,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time33.46  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Wilmette    4 Reviews

Top notch teachers. Involved parents. Motivated students. Great public schools from elementary through high school.  More

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Over 13 years ago

It's a small city close to the lake and close to Chicago. One of the biggest advantages is its schools. Most of the elementary schools have a great school rating of 9  More

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Over 16 years ago

Wilmette is one of the close-in suburbs on Chicago's North Shore. Wilmette and next-door Evanston have their own parks, dining and recreation. And it's a short drive or  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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