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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Arlington is 20% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$2,275/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 18%
$140,160/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$139,326/yr ≈ Same
$864,800 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 34%
$2,414/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 16%
235,463
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $403/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $4,836/year.

Median household income is $834/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

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 203 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $403/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $834/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Carlsbad

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Carlsbad vs. East Los Angeles Carlsbad vs. Waterbury Carlsbad vs. Lowell Carlsbad vs. Provo Carlsbad vs. League City Carlsbad vs. Elgin