2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Hickory, NC vs Arcata, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Arcata or is it cheaper to live in Hickory?
- Arcata is 21.3% more expensive than Hickory.

Which city has more affordable housing, Arcata or Hickory?
- Arcata housing costs are 92.4% more expensive than Hickory housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Hickory or is Health Care more affordable in Arcata.
- Health related expenses are 7.5% less in Arcata.
 Hickory, NCArcata, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock108.0100
 Food & Groceries95.6  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock117.7100
 Housing70.9  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$444,300$338,100
 Utilities97  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock81.2100
 Miscellaneous94.8  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Hickory    8 Reviews

Over 2 years ago

Hickory is has wonderful amenities such as the science museum, children's museum, aquarium, art museum, symphony orchestra, and great universities. Its not far from  More

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Over 3 years ago

Hickory is a nice place to live. There are great parks here. Glen Hilton is a beautiful park with lots of play structures and tall trees nice elevated walking path.  More

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Cons, No ethnic diversity"... How is that a "Con"? That means it has a rich traditional culture, where most people share a interest in the same  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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