2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Arcata, CA vs Sunnyvale, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Sunnyvale or is it cheaper to live in Arcata?
- Sunnyvale is 113.9% more expensive than Arcata.

Which city has more affordable housing, Sunnyvale or Arcata?
- Sunnyvale housing costs are 376.2% more expensive than Arcata housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Arcata or is Health Care more affordable in Sunnyvale.
- Health related expenses are 8.5% less in Sunnyvale.
 Arcata, CASunnyvale, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock231.0100
 Food & Groceries101.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock107.7100
 Housing136.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,761,600$338,100
 Utilities88  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock141.5100
 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 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 Sunnyvale    14 Reviews

At this point, I would only recommend moving to silicon valley for the job market. Sure, the weather is great and the restaurants offer huge variety. But the costs of  More

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Like previous reviewer, tech company's tyranny over city gov and quality of living has negatively impacted a fantastic place to live. Climate, while super, is grossly  More

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I've lived here for 40 years. While the weather is fabulous, For the past ten years of high density housing mostly needed to house thousands of a young up coming tech  More

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