Cost of Living: Amarillo, TX vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Amarillo is 73% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,049/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 155%
$62,469/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 123%
$186,800 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 519%
$1,074/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 161%
200,945
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,629/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $19,548/year.

Median household income is $76,857/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Amarillo residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Amarillo or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,629/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $76,857/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Amarillo or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Amarillo details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Amarillo and Carlsbad

Amarillo vs. Oxnard Amarillo vs. Tallahassee Amarillo vs. Augusta Amarillo vs. Birmingham Amarillo vs. McKinney Amarillo vs. Sunrise Manor Carlsbad vs. East Los Angeles Carlsbad vs. Waterbury Carlsbad vs. Lowell Carlsbad vs. Provo Carlsbad vs. League City Carlsbad vs. Elgin