Arcata, CA

Above Avg · 110

California · Population 18,578 · Updated March 2026

$1,287
Median Rent / Month
$48,731
Median Income
$466,600
Median Home Value
$1,261
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Arcata

31.7%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in California

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

13.3%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.25%
Sales Tax
0.71%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$15,444
Annual Rent
$6,481
State Income Tax
$3,313
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Arcata is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 110 (where 100 equals the national median), Arcata residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,287/month while earning a median household income of $48,731/year.

The median home value in Arcata, CA is $466,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,261 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. At 31.7% rent-to-income ratio, residents of Arcata are spending more than the recommended 30% of income on housing, indicating moderate cost burden.

California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Arcata.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Arcata

What is the cost of living in Arcata, CA?
The cost of living index in Arcata, CA is 110 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,287, median household income is $48,731/year, and the median home value is $466,600.
Is Arcata, CA affordable?
No, Arcata is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 110. The rent-to-income ratio is 31.7%—above the 30%% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in Arcata, CA?
The median gross rent in Arcata, CA is $1,287 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $15,444.
What is the median household income in Arcata?
The median household income in Arcata, CA is $48,731 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in California?
California has a top income tax rate of 13.3%, a sales tax of 7.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.71%.