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

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Arcata or is it cheaper to live in Carson?
- Arcata is 33.2% less expensive than Carson.

Which city has more affordable housing, Arcata or Carson?
- Arcata housing costs are 40.0% less expensive than Carson housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Carson or is Health Care more affordable in Arcata.
- Health related expenses are 35.8% more in Arcata.
 Carson, CAArcata, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock108.0100
 Food & Groceries101.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock117.7100
 Housing227.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$444,300$338,100
 Utilities92  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock81.2100
 Miscellaneous133.8  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Carson    5 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

The city is going through "Urban Renewal", which means the poor,elderly and homeless can't afford the "NEW" Townhomes so this is what goes on if you fall under either  More

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Over 10 years ago

The weather is very nice throughout the year. We could use more  More

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I've lived in Carson all my life and the only thing special here is the weather. Summers are great, as it is in the 70s for most of the time. However, this is a  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 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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