2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
El Cajon, CA vs Arcata, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Arcata or is it cheaper to live in El Cajon?
- Arcata is 30.3% less expensive than El Cajon.

Which city has more affordable housing, Arcata or El Cajon?
- Arcata housing costs are 41.8% less expensive than El Cajon housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in El Cajon or is Health Care more affordable in Arcata.
- Health related expenses are 32.2% more in Arcata.
 El Cajon, CAArcata, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock108.0100
 Food & Groceries107.9  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock117.7100
 Housing234.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$444,300$338,100
 Utilities111  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock81.2100
 Miscellaneous153.5  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for El Cajon    10 Reviews

Stay out of East El Cajon. The people that live there don't like  More

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Housing less expensive then San Diego, wages the same. A total package of people from different backgrounds (ethnic) which is  More

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El Cajon and La Mesa are about a dozen miles east of the Pacific Ocean. Fletcher Hills, in particular, is a community within El Cajon on the boarder of La Mesa/Mt.  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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