2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Half Moon Bay, CA vs Arcata, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Arcata older or younger than people in Half Moon Bay?
- The Median Age in Arcata is 18.0 years younger than in Half Moon Bay.

Are housing costs cheaper in Arcata or Half Moon Bay?
- Arcata housing costs are 69.8% less expensive than Half Moon Bay housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Arcata or Half Moon Bay?
- The average commute for residents of Arcata is 12.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Half Moon Bay.

Things to do in Half Moon Bay?
Half Moon Bay is an incorporated city located in San Mateo County, California offering plenty of attractions such as exploring its multiple trails ideal for biking or jogging plus nearby Mavericks Beach provides amazing views close by. There are also numerous shops and eateries providing unique itemsor delicious cuisine perfectfor anyone looking to have a meal out during their visit here!

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.

 Half Moon Bay, CAArcata, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock19,038329,725,481
 Median Income$137,346  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock26.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,472,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time29.86  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Half Moon Bay    3 Reviews

HMB has one of the best climates in the world. It also has some very good restaurants. You have the ocean on one side and scenic foothills to the east.It would be heaven  More

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Over 19 years ago

Rural coastal living in a great community close to San Francisco and Silicon  More

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Over 20 years ago

I lived in HMB for 17 years and loved (almost) every minute there. Beautiful hills to the east of the town and the Pacific ocean to the west. Close to San Francisco,  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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