Orange, CA vs Santa Barbara, 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.
Orange
63.3
#1780 nationally
Santa Barbara
59.8
#1944 nationally
Orange leads in crime level (6.2 vs 17.8). Santa Barbara leads in average commute (17.6 min vs 26.5 min). Orange leads in cost of living index (178 vs 225).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Orange, CA | Santa Barbara, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.3 (#1780) | 59.8 (#1944) |
| Population | 138,337 | 86,499 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,136,729 | $1,848,325 |
| Median Household Income | $109,335 | $98,346 |
| Average Commute | 26.5 min | 17.6 min |
| Walk Score | 51 | 61 |
| Crime Level | 6.2 | 17.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 178 | 225 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+2.6 | D+26.7 |
D
63.3 Score
Orange, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,136,729
Population
138,337
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
51
Pacific
View Orange, CA →
F
59.8 Score
Santa Barbara, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,848,325
Population
86,499
Crime
High
Walk Score
61
Pacific
View Santa Barbara, CA →
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