Santa Barbara, CA vs Seaside, 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 Barbara
59.8
#1944 nationally
Seaside
63.7
#1750 nationally
Seaside leads in cost of living index (158 vs 225). Seaside leads in crime level (14.1 vs 17.8). Santa Barbara leads in average commute (17.6 min vs 21.8 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Santa Barbara, CA | Seaside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 59.8 (#1944) | 63.7 (#1750) |
| Population | 86,499 | 31,317 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,848,325 | $800,284 |
| Median Household Income | $98,346 | $80,239 |
| Average Commute | 17.6 min | 21.8 min |
| Walk Score | 61 | 53 |
| Crime Level | 17.8 | 14.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 225 | 158 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+26.7 | D+29.9 |
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 →
D
63.7 Score
Seaside, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$800,284
Population
31,317
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
53
Pacific
View Seaside, CA →
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