Cost of Living: Cambridge, MA vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Cambridge is 6% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$2,742/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↓ 2%
$126,469/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 10%
$1,040,500 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 11%
$2,634/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 6%
117,794
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $64/month cheaper in Carlsbad, saving renters about $768/year.

Median household income is $12,857/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Cambridge or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cambridge is cheaper to live in with an index of 239 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $64/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $12,857/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Cambridge or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/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 Cambridge details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland Carlsbad vs. East Los Angeles Carlsbad vs. Waterbury Carlsbad vs. Lowell Carlsbad vs. Provo Carlsbad vs. League City Carlsbad vs. Elgin