Arcata, CA vs Boulder, CO
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
Boulder
67.4
#1424 nationally
Boulder leads in median household income ($86,098 vs $43,444). Boulder leads in walk score (62 vs 48). Arcata leads in cost of living index (133 vs 165).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Arcata, CA | Boulder, CO |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 65.5 (#1626) | 67.4 (#1424) |
| Population | 19,012 | 103,166 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $480,134 | $957,377 |
| Median Household Income | $43,444 | $86,098 |
| Average Commute | 18.4 min | 21.4 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 62 |
| Crime Level | 13.9 | Moderate-Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 8.4 |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 165 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+28.4 | D+55.8 |
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+
67.4 Score
Boulder, CO
Nature meets innovation at the Flatirons
Median Home
$957,377
Population
103,166
Crime
Moderate-Low
Schools
A
West
View Boulder, CO →