Home / Select Cities  /  2024 Comparing Santa Cruz, CA vs. Arcata, CA

2024 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Arcata, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Arcata older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Arcata is 2.1 years younger than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Arcata or Santa Cruz?
- Arcata housing costs are 65.0% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Arcata or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Arcata is 6.4 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Santa Cruz.

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.

Things to do in Arcata?
Nestled on California’s North Coast just south of Eureka, Arcata offers visitors an array of natural beauty from redwood forests to rugged coastline along with world-class dining experiences like the Alice Copper Restaurant & Brewery. The city hosts a variety of cultural attractions year round from art galleries to live music venues making it a great destination for everyone.

 Santa Cruz, CAArcata, CAUnited States
 Population62,71419,038329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217$39,069$69,021
 Median Age2926.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800$444,300$338,100
 Unemployment Rate4.5%6.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.4517.0326.38

View More Data >

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

   |    Reply

Over 4 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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Cruz

Reviews for Arcata    17 Reviews

Pros: Nature hikes Cons: One of highest crime rates in the nation. Opioid epidemic going on (you’ll regularly witness drug deals and ppl doing drugs) No  More

   |    Reply

It takes a special set of preferences to select Arcata. Is this you? - You love clouds and fog. You are happy if you see the sun maybe 10-20 times a year. - Chilly  More

   |    Reply

Over 10 years ago

I've lived in Humboldt for over 30 yrs and know all the areas well. Arcata is the jewel of Humboldt due to having a university and many liberal creative people. There is  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Arcata

 Most Recent Searches On Compare Cities
COMPARE COST OF LIVING
Compare Santa Cruz, California Cost of Living vs Arcata, California Cost of Living: Taxes, Childcare, Groceries, Health...
Compare Now


ZIPS IN SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
95060 95064
ZIPS IN ARCATA, CALIFORNIA
95521 95549

PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.

Try Now