2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Arcata, CA vs Ann Arbor, MI

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Ann Arbor or is it cheaper to live in Arcata?
- Ann Arbor is 2.3% less expensive than Arcata.

Which city has more affordable housing, Ann Arbor or Arcata?
- Ann Arbor housing costs are 5.1% more expensive than Arcata housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Arcata or is Health Care more affordable in Ann Arbor.
- Health related expenses are 31.3% less in Ann Arbor.
 Arcata, CAAnn Arbor, MIUnited States
 Overall  Unlock105.5100
 Food & Groceries101.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock80.9100
 Housing136.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$455,500$338,100
 Utilities88  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock100.1100
 Miscellaneous117.1  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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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 12 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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Reviews for Ann Arbor    49 Reviews

Over 9 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 11 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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