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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Arlington is 62% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,389/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 93%
$73,519/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 90%
$276,400 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 319%
$1,420/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 97%
394,769
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,289/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $15,468/year.

Median household income is $65,807/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Arlington or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,289/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $65,807/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 Arlington or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Carlsbad details →

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