2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Winston-Salem, NC vs Arcata, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Arcata or is it cheaper to live in Winston-Salem?
- Arcata is 28.1% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

Which city has more affordable housing, Arcata or Winston-Salem?
- Arcata housing costs are 118.2% more expensive than Winston-Salem housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Winston-Salem or is Health Care more affordable in Arcata.
- Health related expenses are 22.1% more in Arcata.
 Winston-Salem, NCArcata, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock108.0100
 Food & Groceries95.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock117.7100
 Housing62.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$444,300$338,100
 Utilities97  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock81.2100
 Miscellaneous109.1  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Winston-Salem    26 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

Winston Salem is a corrupt and sad city. Many residents aren't open to new comers and crime is rampant. The abysmal crime rate is due in part to the corrupt and  More

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Over 5 years ago

I’ve lived here since 2008 and the community is beautiful and quiet. Convenient to everything and if you’re not a lazy person you can walk to Walmart, the bank,  More

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I didn't fully appreciate WS until I left. I still have family and friends there, and when I visit (I've lived in various places, now in the midwest for about 20 years)  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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