Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Arcata, CA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 33.1% of gross income.
Arcata rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (California state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These California cities have lower median rent than Arcata, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Arcata
View full rent data for Arcata, CA →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Arcata, CA?
Median rent in Arcata is $1,729 a month. A typical paramedic in California earns about $62,752 a year, which makes that rent 33.1% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Arcata?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in California (~$62,752/yr) supports up to $1,569 a month in rent. Arcata's current median rent is $1,729/mo, which is $160/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Arcata?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a paramedic in California works roughly 57.3 hours a month to cover Arcata's median rent of $1,729.
Where is rent cheaper than Arcata for a paramedic?
Nearby California cities with lower median rent include California City ($1,727/mo), Tulare ($1,724/mo), Atwater ($1,724/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.