2026 Compare Cities Education:
San Marcos, TX vs Arcata, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
- Arcata spends 11.8% more per student than San Marcos.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 29.8% higher in Arcata than in San Marcos. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- Arcata had 3.7% more residents who had graduated High School compared to San Marcos
 San Marcos, TXArcata, CAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$15,703$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$9,966  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$7,929$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio14.55  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock70434573
 Students per Counselor424  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock2.2%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.5.5%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock93.9%88.9%
 Some College Educ.23.7%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock10.6%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.34.8%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock11.9%9.3%
 Professional Degree1.2%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock3.4%1.5%
Reviews for San Marcos    6 Reviews

An area with so much potential and existing natural beauty.Sadly bad urban planning is clearly obvious.Looks like fun for tens of thousands of students.However for the  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

San Marcos has the most beautiful people and places that I have ever seen throughout my travels. I love this city so much that I decided to settle down here and start a  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

I spent several summers and a couple winters in San Marcos during my formidable years and really have to tell those interested about what a nice town it is. The best  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of San Marcos

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Over 12 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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Arcata


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.