Arcata, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Arcata
65.5
#1626 nationally
Costa Mesa
60.6
#1929 nationally
Costa Mesa leads in median household income ($104,981 vs $43,444). Arcata leads in cost of living index (133 vs 197). Arcata leads in crime level (13.9 vs 20.2).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Arcata, CA | Costa Mesa, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 65.5 (#1626) | 60.6 (#1929) |
| Population | 19,012 | 108,354 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $480,134 | $1,424,322 |
| Median Household Income | $43,444 | $104,981 |
| Average Commute | 18.4 min | 21.9 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 65 |
| Crime Level | 13.9 | 20.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 197 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+28.4 | D+2.6 |
D
65.5 Score
Arcata, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$480,134
Population
19,012
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
48
Pacific
View Arcata, CA →
D-
60.6 Score
Costa Mesa, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,424,322
Population
108,354
Crime
High
Walk Score
65
Pacific
View Costa Mesa, CA →