2025 Compare Cities Education:
Arcata, CA vs San Marcos, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
- San Marcos spends 4.2% more per student than Arcata.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 20.0% higher in San Marcos than in Arcata. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- San Marcos had 6.4% fewer residents who had graduated High School compared to Arcata
 Arcata, CASan Marcos, CAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$16,358$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$13,439  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$8,084$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio18.88  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock187444573
 Students per Counselor659  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock6.8%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.3.9%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock87.8%88.9%
 Some College Educ.22.5%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock8.4%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.46.4%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock10.2%9.3%
 Professional Degree3.8%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock1.7%1.5%
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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Arcata

Reviews for San Marcos    5 Reviews

Just an amazing place to live. I have lived in 7 states and almost countless cities. Sam Marcos is one of the best. This is literally the longest place I have lived  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

Is this area to expensive for the average income retired  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

Beautiful Mediterranean climate with bright sunshine and ocean breazes. City is just 15 minutes away from the  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of San Marcos


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.