2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Arcata, CA vs Rockford, IL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Rockford or is it cheaper to live in Arcata?
- Rockford is 26.9% less expensive than Arcata.

Which city has more affordable housing, Rockford or Arcata?
- Rockford housing costs are 71.0% less expensive than Arcata housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Arcata or is Health Care more affordable in Rockford.
- Health related expenses are 10.0% less in Rockford.
 Arcata, CARockford, ILUnited States
 Overall  Unlock79.0100
 Food & Groceries101.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock105.9100
 Housing136.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$132,700$338,100
 Utilities88  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock82.5100
 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 Rockford    54 Reviews

Over 6 years ago

I've lived here my whole life . I love  More

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I was raised in the area and lived here 3/4 of my life. Rockford has definitely made efforts to bring events into the area so there are things to do and they have  More

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Over 7 years ago

Rockford has made great strides in the past 20 years. Downtown used to be a ghost town. Now, there are activities almost every weekend. City government has worked to  More

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