2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Alameda, CA vs Arcata, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Arcata or is it cheaper to live in Alameda?
- Arcata is 44.8% less expensive than Alameda.

Which city has more affordable housing, Arcata or Alameda?
- Arcata housing costs are 67.9% less expensive than Alameda housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Alameda or is Health Care more affordable in Arcata.
- Health related expenses are 0.8% more in Arcata.
 Alameda, CAArcata, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock108.0100
 Food & Groceries112.6  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock117.7100
 Housing424.3  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$444,300$338,100
 Utilities89  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock81.2100
 Miscellaneous159.2  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Alameda    6 Reviews

Over 7 years ago

Having been born here & 70 now I have watched firsthand, a small, quiet town ruined by excessive building, overcrowding and far too many restaurants for a city this  More

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Enjoy the immense benefit to having a close-knit community with main-street USA feel less than 10 miles from the resources of several urban and education  More

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Alameda, CA is a unique town here in the Bay Area. Perhaps because it is an island, or perhaps because for many decades it was a U.S. Army base, the city has never  More

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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

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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

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Over 11 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

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