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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Austin is 47% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,655/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 62%
$91,461/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 52%
$512,700 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 126%
$1,747/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 60%
967,862
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,023/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $12,276/year.

Median household income is $47,865/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Austin or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,023/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $47,865/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 Austin or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Carlsbad details →

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