2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Friday Harbor, WA vs Arcata, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Arcata older or younger than people in Friday Harbor?
- The Median Age in Arcata is 14.1 years younger than in Friday Harbor.

Are housing costs cheaper in Arcata or Friday Harbor?
- Arcata housing costs are 46.6% less expensive than Friday Harbor housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Arcata or Friday Harbor?
- The average commute for residents of Arcata is 5.9 minutes longer than it is for residents of Friday Harbor.

Things to do in Friday Harbor?
Friday Harbor is a small town on San Juan Island, located in the beautiful Puget Sound near the Canadian border. It has a population of just over 2,000 people, making it perfect for those who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. The town is surrounded by beautiful scenery including lush forests and beaches that make it an ideal spot for outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The locals are friendly and welcoming, creating a tight-knit community that makes Friday Harbor a great place to settle down or even just visit for the weekend. In addition to its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere, there are plenty of local restaurants and shops to explore on sunny days. Overall, Friday Harbor provides an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling relaxed and at home.

Things to do in Arcata?
Nestled on California’s North Coast just south of Eureka, Arcata offers visitors an array of natural beauty from redwood forests to rugged coastline along with world-class dining experiences like the Alice Copper Restaurant & Brewery. The city hosts a variety of cultural attractions year round from art galleries to live music venues making it a great destination for everyone.

 Friday Harbor, WAArcata, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock19,038329,725,481
 Median Income$57,885  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock26.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$831,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time11.14  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Friday Harbor    2 Reviews

Beautiful place to retire and live, but a very expensive area to buy property and maintain. Services are limited and labor is in big shortage. So be prepared to pay up  More

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I lived on the Island for a couple of the winter months in 2007. I house sat a beautiful home on acreage with a view of the water. The Island is very quiet during the  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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