2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Harrisonburg, VA vs Arcata, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Arcata or is it cheaper to live in Harrisonburg?
- Arcata is 27.8% more expensive than Harrisonburg.

Which city has more affordable housing, Arcata or Harrisonburg?
- Arcata housing costs are 54.0% more expensive than Harrisonburg housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Harrisonburg or is Health Care more affordable in Arcata.
- Health related expenses are 9.7% more in Arcata.
 Harrisonburg, VAArcata, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock108.0100
 Food & Groceries98.0  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock117.7100
 Housing88.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$444,300$338,100
 Utilities96  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock81.2100
 Miscellaneous108.4  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Harrisonburg    10 Reviews

Over 14 years ago

Harrisonburg is small town, yet has the same experiences that a big city offers (just on a smaller scale). The reason for the wealth of experiences is because H'burg is  More

   |    Reply

Any infomation on quality/cost of living will be graetly appreciated.  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

We moved to H'Burg in 2003 to enjoy a less expensive cost of living, closer proximity to family, low crime rate and better access to quality health care/facilities. We  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Harrisonburg

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Over 12 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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Arcata


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.