2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Arcata, CA vs Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Carmel-by-the-Sea or is it cheaper to live in Arcata?
- Carmel-by-the-Sea is 40.6% more expensive than Arcata.

Which city has more affordable housing, Carmel-by-the-Sea or Arcata?
- Carmel-by-the-Sea housing costs are 377.8% more expensive than Arcata housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Arcata or is Health Care more affordable in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Health related expenses are 22.1% more in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
 Arcata, CACarmel-by-the-Sea, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock151.9100
 Food & Groceries101.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock143.7100
 Housing136.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,916,200$338,100
 Utilities88  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock103.7100
 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 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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Reviews for Carmel-By-The-Sea    3 Reviews

Over 9 years ago

Climate, cost &  More

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carmel has about 60 vacation homes and a dense cottage-y downtown. basically it is a tourist trap cental business district and a bunch of vacation rental homes. the  More

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Over 17 years ago

Liberals have run me out of town. The political is so overwhelming I am looking to relocate. However, if you are an aging hippie with a great deal of money you will be  More

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