2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Arcata, CA vs Port Townsend, WA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Port Townsend or is it cheaper to live in Arcata?
- Port Townsend is 1.1% more expensive than Arcata.

Which city has more affordable housing, Port Townsend or Arcata?
- Port Townsend housing costs are 12.0% more expensive than Arcata housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Arcata or is Health Care more affordable in Port Townsend.
- Health related expenses are 23.9% less in Port Townsend.
 Arcata, CAPort Townsend, WAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock109.2100
 Food & Groceries101.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.6100
 Housing136.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$579,900$338,100
 Utilities88  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock85.0100
 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 Port Townsend    8 Reviews

We live a little over an hour away and absolutely love Port Townsend and the surrounding areas. There are a lot of surprises. There are great places to eat, live music,  More

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I loved living in Port Townsend for about 20 years. It’s a quiet and safe town with several festivals, art, music, and more. The main economy is centered around tourism  More

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Transplant Californians are selling their shacks for a million, and purchasing homes here for twice what they should cost due to supply and demand. Port Townsend is a  More

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