2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Ann Arbor, MI vs Arcata, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Arcata or is it cheaper to live in Ann Arbor?
- Arcata is 2.4% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

Which city has more affordable housing, Arcata or Ann Arbor?
- Arcata housing costs are 4.9% less expensive than Ann Arbor housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Ann Arbor or is Health Care more affordable in Arcata.
- Health related expenses are 45.5% more in Arcata.
 Ann Arbor, MIArcata, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock108.0100
 Food & Groceries102.6  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock117.7100
 Housing143.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$444,300$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock81.2100
 Miscellaneous130.8  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Ann Arbor    49 Reviews

Over 8 years ago

Highly educated city. traffic and parking is bad. university culture is nice, not sure about elsewhere. no good pizza! if you're looking for food, I recommend "a taste  More

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Uh, compared to my other favorite college towns this one lacks flavor. Safer and kinda pretty, but not the greenest place, it's fine. Good restaurants, music, art,  More

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Over 10 years ago

Ann Arbor bus service (AATA) is quite good. The Detroit Metro Airport is only a 20 min. drive away and is also quite good. The traffic in Ann Arbor is usually mild  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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