2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Monterey, CA vs Arcata, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Arcata older or younger than people in Monterey?
- The Median Age in Arcata is 10.5 years younger than in Monterey.

Are housing costs cheaper in Arcata or Monterey?
- Arcata housing costs are 56.5% less expensive than Monterey housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Arcata or Monterey?
- The average commute for residents of Arcata is 1.8 minutes longer than it is for residents of Monterey.

Things to do in Monterey?
Monterey, CA is an iconic beach city located on the Monterey Peninsula of California's central coast. This picturesque coastal community offers stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, fabulous restaurants and galleries, plus numerous other recreational activities.

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.

 Monterey, CAArcata, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock19,038329,725,481
 Median Income$85,365  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock26.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,022,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.25  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Monterey    21 Reviews

Over 8 years ago

The Monterey city area is an excellent place to live and one of the few California locales where it's relatively safe to raise a family. If I could no longer live here I  More

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I grew up on the Monterey Peninsula and had to leave to climb out of poverty. The median income is $35,000 and outside of the military, the jobs are mostly service  More

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My husband and I are just crazy about Monterey. I wonder if we take housing expenses (mortgage or rent) out of the picture, is Monterey still a very expensive city to  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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