2025 Compare Cities Overview:
San Diego, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Santa Cruz older or younger than people in San Diego?
- The Median Age in Santa Cruz is 6.4 years younger than in San Diego.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Cruz or San Diego?
- Santa Cruz housing costs are 52.5% more expensive than San Diego housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Cruz or San Diego?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Cruz is 0.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of San Diego.

Things to do in San Diego?
San Diego, California is a beautiful coastal city that offers something for everyone. From world-famous attractions like the iconic Balboa Park and SeaWorld, to serene beaches and lush parks - San Diego offers a wealth of activities and sights to explore. The city's dynamic neighborhoods offer an array of shopping, dining, nightlife and cultural experiences - making it perfect for visitors who want to get off the beaten path. With its mild Mediterranean climate, San Diego provides plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities year-round, making it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and relax in paradise!

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.

 San Diego, CASanta Cruz, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock62,714329,725,481
 Median Income$89,457  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock2938.4
 Avg. Home Price$833,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.97  Unlock26.38
Reviews for San Diego    319 Reviews

I have lived in San Diego for more than half my life (I am 30) and love it. It has something for everyone and more from arts, to sporting events, and all cuisine is  More

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The only real knock again San Diego is the cost of living, but it is paradise compared to most cities of similar size. Those who complain about the traffic here or say  More

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I have lived in San Diego since 1968 and I am now almost 62 years old. I love San Diego, I really do. But it has become so crowded and so expensive over the years. It  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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