Arcata, CA vs Colusa, CA

Colusa is moderately more affordable than Arcata, with a 13.5% lower cost of living index. Arcata scores 116 compared to 102 for Colusa, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Arcata can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Arcata is $1,287/month compared to $1,130/month in Colusa — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Colusa is more affordable at $357,400 median vs $466,600.

Median household income in Arcata is $48,731 compared to $68,750 in Colusa (-29.1%). Colusa offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Arcata spend roughly 31.7% of their income on rent, more than the 19.7% in Colusa. The Colusa ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.