Ithaca, NY 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.
Santa Cruz
60.5
#1932 nationally
Ithaca leads in crime level (5.4 vs 16.8). Santa Cruz leads in median household income ($105,491 vs $45,468). Ithaca leads in cost of living index (117 vs 205).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ithaca, NY | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 32,724 | 61,501 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $1,360,355 |
| Median Household Income | $45,468 | $105,491 |
| Average Commute | 18.4 min | 22.2 min |
| Walk Score | 72 | 63 |
| Crime Level | 5.4 | 16.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 117 | 205 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+50.6 | D+54.4 |
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Score
Ithaca, NY
Small New York city with local appeal
Population
32,724
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
72
Median Income
$45,468
Northeast
View Ithaca, NY →
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 →