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

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Arcata or is it cheaper to live in Riverside?
- Arcata is 17.7% less expensive than Riverside.

Which city has more affordable housing, Arcata or Riverside?
- Arcata housing costs are 23.2% less expensive than Riverside housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Riverside or is Health Care more affordable in Arcata.
- Health related expenses are 34.8% more in Arcata.
 Riverside, CAArcata, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock108.0100
 Food & Groceries100.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock117.7100
 Housing177.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$444,300$338,100
 Utilities106  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock81.2100
 Miscellaneous112.3  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Riverside    42 Reviews

I've lived in Riverside for 54 years. It changed a LOT when people from LA started moving here in droves. Still, I have never been robbed or assaulted but I am  More

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I'm from Orange County (OC). I have had nothing but trouble since moving to Riverside. 1. The dogs are aggressive guard dogs. If you want to walk or bike you  More

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Over 7 years ago

Whew where to begin with dear old riverside. I enjoyed growing up here until my high school years (back in 2011). In 7 short years the downward deterioration of the  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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