2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Kelso, WA vs Arcata, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Arcata or is it cheaper to live in Kelso?
- Arcata is 5.4% more expensive than Kelso.

Which city has more affordable housing, Arcata or Kelso?
- Arcata housing costs are 20.4% more expensive than Kelso housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Kelso or is Health Care more affordable in Arcata.
- Health related expenses are 15.7% more in Arcata.
 Kelso, WAArcata, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock108.0100
 Food & Groceries99.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock117.7100
 Housing113.3  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$444,300$338,100
 Utilities67  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock81.2100
 Miscellaneous101.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Kelso    3 Reviews

Disclaimer: This was written in 2019. All info subject to change! Kelso is a quieter town, with a lot to offer if you have the money. If you do NOT have money, the  More

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Over 15 years ago

It rains here so much if you have SAD do not move here. If you have allergies not a good place to  More

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Over 15 years ago

It is overcast here a lot and not good if you are  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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