2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Arcata, CA vs San Bernardino, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Bernardino or is it cheaper to live in Arcata?
- San Bernardino is 9.8% more expensive than Arcata.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Bernardino or Arcata?
- San Bernardino housing costs are 8.8% less expensive than Arcata housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Arcata or is Health Care more affordable in San Bernardino.
- Health related expenses are 26.3% less in San Bernardino.
 Arcata, CASan Bernardino, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock118.6100
 Food & Groceries101.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock86.7100
 Housing136.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$435,500$338,100
 Utilities88  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock111.3100
 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 San Bernardino    19 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

Living in san bernardino for now 8 years, id definitely say la is way better, from just looks to safety. i've seen a lot of sh*t happen here an it's sad. i never leave  More

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This place is the biggest county in all the United States, and it is also the biggest **** hole in the United States. It is a historical place with a tremendous story to  More

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Over 8 years ago

While I do believe the average housing price is slightly off (it is listed at $229,000, but it's actually more like $250,000), San Bernardino is still one of the most  More

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