Pacifica, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Pacifica
64.7
#1680 nationally
Santa Cruz
60.5
#1932 nationally
Pacifica leads in crime level (4.0 vs 16.8). Pacifica leads in median household income ($151,849 vs $105,491). Santa Cruz leads in walk score (63 vs 45).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Pacifica, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.7 (#1680) | 60.5 (#1932) |
| Population | 36,426 | 61,501 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,276,738 | $1,360,355 |
| Median Household Income | $151,849 | $105,491 |
| Average Commute | 29 min | 22.2 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 63 |
| Crime Level | 4.0 | 16.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 211 | 205 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+50.3 | D+54.4 |
D
64.7 Score
Pacifica, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,276,738
Population
36,426
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
45
Pacific
View Pacifica, CA →
D-
60.5 Score
Santa Cruz, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,360,355
Population
61,501
Crime
High
Walk Score
63
Pacific
View Santa Cruz, CA →
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