2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Petaluma, CA vs Arcata, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Arcata or is it cheaper to live in Petaluma?
- Arcata is 28.9% less expensive than Petaluma.

Which city has more affordable housing, Arcata or Petaluma?
- Arcata housing costs are 51.6% less expensive than Petaluma housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Petaluma or is Health Care more affordable in Arcata.
- Health related expenses are 6.7% more in Arcata.
 Petaluma, CAArcata, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock108.0100
 Food & Groceries110.8  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock117.7100
 Housing281.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$444,300$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock81.2100
 Miscellaneous153.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Petaluma    16 Reviews

I agree with the low star reviews. Been here for 25 years, raised a family and seen everything turn to the left and worse. Weather is glorious, love the old Victorians  More

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We’ve lived here for 3 years and we love it. It has taken some time to grow on us. We moved from SF where we had lived over 15 years, we were not used to one year leases  More

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I’ve lived here a couple of years (after living in others parts of the Bay Area for 15+ years) and I love it! Great neighborhoods, friendly folks, good schools with  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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