Arcata, CA vs Fullerton, 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
Fullerton
60.7
#1927 nationally
Fullerton leads in median household income ($99,279 vs $43,444). Arcata leads in average commute (18.4 min vs 30 min). Arcata leads in cost of living index (133 vs 175).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Arcata, CA | Fullerton, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 65.5 (#1626) | 60.7 (#1927) |
| Population | 19,012 | 139,250 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $480,134 | $1,052,226 |
| Median Household Income | $43,444 | $99,279 |
| Average Commute | 18.4 min | 30 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 54 |
| Crime Level | 13.9 | 12.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 175 |
| 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-
60.7 Score
Fullerton, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,052,226
Population
139,250
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
54
Pacific
View Fullerton, CA →