2025 Compare Cities Education:
Santa Maria, CA vs Arcata, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
- Arcata spends 6.0% less per student than Santa Maria.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 10.1% lower in Arcata than in Santa Maria. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- Arcata had 50.9% more residents who had graduated High School compared to Santa Maria
 Santa Maria, CAArcata, CAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$15,703$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$13,158  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$7,929$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio21.01  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock70434573
 Students per Counselor539  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock2.2%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.10.0%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock93.9%88.9%
 Some College Educ.20.4%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock10.6%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.13.6%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock11.9%9.3%
 Professional Degree0.8%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock3.4%1.5%
Reviews for Santa Maria    12 Reviews

Over 6 years ago

I live in Orcutt which is a town of around 35,000 on the south side of Santa Maria. Santa Maria has, as everyone has noted, the best climate in the world. It never  More

   |    Reply

I have lived in Santa Maria / Orcutt for several years, but it is time to leave. I have no issues with the weather. Our climate is mild and comfortable with no extremes.  More

   |    Reply

The weather is very mild without a huge temperature change with the seasons. The winters are chilly but not cold and the summers are warm but not hot. Of course there  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Maria

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 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

   |    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.