Arcata, CA vs Charlotte, NC
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
Charlotte
68.1
#1344 nationally
Arcata leads in walk score (48 vs 26). Charlotte leads in median household income ($71,659 vs $43,444). Arcata leads in average commute (18.4 min vs 27.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Arcata, CA | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 65.5 (#1626) | 68.1 (#1344) |
| Population | 19,012 | 897,720 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $480,134 | $397,231 |
| Median Household Income | $43,444 | $71,659 |
| Average Commute | 18.4 min | 27.1 min |
| Walk Score | 48 | 26 |
| Crime Level | 13.9 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 6.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 102 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+28.4 | D+32.9 |
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+
68.1 Score
Charlotte, NC
Banking capital of the South
Median Home
$397,231
Population
897,720
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B-
Southeast
View Charlotte, NC →