30

Studio Apartments for Rent in Arcata, CA

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  • /20

    Starting at $1,050 Per Month

    • Studio

    455 Union St, Arcata, CA 95521

    Top of the line studios available in Humboldt with solar and green construction. Basic utilities are paid (gas/electric, water/sewer, and garbage)! Coin-op laundry is available on-site, units have a fenced patio or balcony, and the complex is close to HSU, HealthSport, and the bus stop. Next door to the Arcata Sports Complex and Arcata Community Park! Parkway Apartments has a great center

    Parkway Apartments

    455 Union St, Arcata, CA 95521
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    $1,800 Per Month

    • Studio
    • 1 Bath
    • Furnished Studio overlooking Arcata, all utilities inluded

    1258A I St, Arcata, CA 95521

    This bright upstairs furnished apartment is located on the hillside above downtown Arcata offering a spectacular view. Furnished in a comfortable classy style, this is a great balance of modern conveniences, yet retains the aesthetics of the Craftsman era. The kitchen is set up nicely with a wide counter for prep and optional seating. Beyond that is the living room with a sleeper sofa and a door

    1258A I St, Arcata, CA 95521
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    $1,000 Per Month

    • Studio
    • 1 Bath
    • Condo for Rent

    346 California Ave Unit 346 California Ave, Arcata, CA 95521

    346 California Ave Unit 346 California Ave, Arcata, CA 95521

Why Live in Arcata

Arcata, CA, is a small artsy college town on the Northern California coast, nestled between vast redwood forests and Arcata Bay, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Home to over 19,000 residents, including around 6,000 students from Cal Poly Humboldt, Arcata boasts a rich cultural scene with numerous events, theaters, and concerts. The city’s history as a logging town has evolved into a haven for outdoor recreation, with over 2,100 acres of public forestland featuring parks, trails, and outdoor amenities. Arcata Plaza serves as the central hub, surrounded by historic buildings, local restaurants, dive bars, coffee shops, and boutiques, and hosts annual festivals like the North Country Fair and the Arcata Main Street Oyster Festival. Residents enjoy easy access to the outdoors, with the Arcata Community Forest offering nearly 800 acres of hiking trails through lush redwood canopies. The nearby Pacific coastline, though chilly, provides picturesque shores and sandy beaches. Arcata’s residential architecture is eclectic, featuring wood-shingled Craftsman homes and ornate Victorians. The Arcata Elementary School District and Arcata High School are well-regarded, and Cal Poly Humboldt is expanding, promising growth and new jobs. State Route 101 connects Arcata to nearby coastal cities, and the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport is 9 miles north.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Arcata, CA?
The median rent for a home in Arcata, CA is $1,700 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of July 2026, condos tend to be the most affordable option while townhouses and single-family homes are currently more expensive.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Arcata, CA?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Arcata, CA, a household needs to earn roughly $68,000 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $1,700 per month in Arcata, CA, renters typically need to show $5,100 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Arcata, CA?
In Arcata, CA, the price-to-rent ratio is 20.8, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
3
Median Rent
$1,700
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,825
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,800
Median Condo Rent
$1,300
How to Rent a Home