2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Pismo Beach, CA vs Arcata, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Arcata or is it cheaper to live in Pismo Beach?
- Arcata is 26.1% less expensive than Pismo Beach.

Which city has more affordable housing, Arcata or Pismo Beach?
- Arcata housing costs are 61.4% less expensive than Pismo Beach housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Pismo Beach or is Health Care more affordable in Arcata.
- Health related expenses are 8.1% more in Arcata.
 Pismo Beach, CAArcata, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock108.0100
 Food & Groceries111.3  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock117.7100
 Housing353.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$444,300$338,100
 Utilities86  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock81.2100
 Miscellaneous144.0  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Pismo Beach    4 Reviews

It's a nice town to visit - although very touristy. Clean air - and nice sand dunes nearby. A variety of housing - but expensive. Good for seafood. I would say  More

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It's still challenging to find a good job: Diablo Canyon Nuclear plant has announced it will be closing in 9 years, so many 6-figure incomes will be going along with the  More

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Over 9 years ago

Because of fires allowed in campsites each and everyday it is very smokey and hard 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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