Cost of Living in Arcata, CA
Population 18,578 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Arcata's demographic profile reads like a college town: median age of 28, and 28% of adults hold a bachelor's degree — a share well above the national baseline. Housing and rent cycles track the academic calendar more than the broader California economy. Around 30% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 140 miles northwest of Chico, Arcata is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Housing prices track closely with Chico's $455,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Arcata
The median home value in Arcata is $466,600 — 53% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,287/month, 2% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,731/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 13.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Arcata has a cost of living index of 131 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 31% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Arcata, CA?
Arcata has a cost index of 131 (100 = national average). It is 31% above the national average.
What is average rent in Arcata, CA?
The median gross rent in Arcata is $1,287 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Arcata?
The median home value in Arcata is $466,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Arcata?
The median household income in Arcata is $48,731 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Arcata, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Arcata is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Arcata, CA affordable?
Arcata is above average in cost of living, with an index of 131 — about 31% higher than the national average.
Arcata at a Glance
- Population
- 18,578
- Median Income
- $48,731
- Home Value
- $466,600
- Median Rent
- $1,287/mo
- Unemployment
- 13.2%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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