Arcata, CA vs Lafayette, 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
Lafayette
62.7
#1832 nationally
Lafayette leads in crime level (2.2 vs 13.9). Lafayette leads in median household income ($219,250 vs $43,444). Arcata leads in cost of living index (133 vs 280).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Arcata, CA | Lafayette, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 65.5 (#1626) | 62.7 (#1832) |
| Population | 19,012 | 25,048 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $480,134 | $1,941,109 |
| Median Household Income | $43,444 | $219,250 |
| Average Commute | 18.4 min | 29.7 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 26 |
| Crime Level | 13.9 | 2.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 280 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+28.4 | D+38.0 |
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-
62.7 Score
Lafayette, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,941,109
Population
25,048
Crime
Low
Walk Score
26
Pacific
View Lafayette, CA →