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2024 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Bellingham, WA vs Arcata, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Arcata or is it cheaper to live in Bellingham?
- Arcata is 8.1% less expensive than Bellingham.

Which city has more affordable housing, Arcata or Bellingham?
- Arcata housing costs are 28.8% less expensive than Bellingham housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Bellingham or is Health Care more affordable in Arcata.
- Health related expenses are 21.1% more in Arcata.
 Bellingham, WAArcata, CAUnited States
 Overall117.5108.0100
 Food & Groceries102.8101.7100
 Health97.2117.7100
 Housing191.7136.4100
 Median Home Cost$606,400$444,300$338,100
 Utilities6,970.0%8,840.0%10,000.0%
 Transportation82.081.2100
 Miscellaneous141.1117.1100

100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Bellingham    58 Reviews

Over 2 years ago

I've lived in so many cities in 5 west coast states and have come to a conclusion that Bellingham is the greatest city to live, work, play and raise a family. After  More

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Over 3 years ago

From what I’ve seen and heard, the very liberal political/ethical beliefs of Bellingham residents, as well as the grey rainy weather, are the main things a few people  More

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If you’re like many Americans and caught up in right vs left you won’t like the far left here in Bellingham wa. If you put politics away and you enjoy skiing,  More

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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 10 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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ZIPS IN BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON
98225 98226 98229
ZIPS IN ARCATA, CALIFORNIA
95521 95549

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