2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Walnut Creek, CA vs Arcata, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Arcata or is it cheaper to live in Walnut Creek?
- Arcata is 38.3% less expensive than Walnut Creek.

Which city has more affordable housing, Arcata or Walnut Creek?
- Arcata housing costs are 64.1% less expensive than Walnut Creek housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Walnut Creek or is Health Care more affordable in Arcata.
- Health related expenses are 2.8% less in Arcata.
 Walnut Creek, CAArcata, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock108.0100
 Food & Groceries112.0  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock117.7100
 Housing379.9  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$444,300$338,100
 Utilities103  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock81.2100
 Miscellaneous158.1  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Walnut Creek    16 Reviews

Apart from the congestion, Walnut Creek is one of the best places in the San Francisco Bay Area to live. It is one of the most compact/walkable cities in the entire area  More

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Over 7 years ago

Almost all of Walnut Creek water comes from Pardee dam through an enclosed pipeline. That water is direct from the high Sierras. Among the best water quality in the  More

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Over 7 years ago

I grew up in Southern California and am no stranger to a more inland California climate. Before moving to WC I lived in San Francisco for 15 years where it is obviously  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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