Cost of Living: Carlsbad, CA vs Provo, UT (2026)

Carlsbad

California
253
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Carlsbad is 151% more expensive than Provo.

$2,678/mo ↑ 132%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 57%
$139,326/yr ↑ 122%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 55%
$1,156,900 ↑ 165%
Home Value
$437,100 ↓ 62%
$2,801/mo ↑ 130%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 56%
114,500
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.1%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Carlsbad, CA and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 253 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,526/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $18,312/year.

Median household income is $76,526/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Carlsbad is $1,156,900 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Carlsbad vs Provo — common questions

Is Carlsbad or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Carlsbad and Provo?
Median rent in Carlsbad is $2,678/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $1,526/month.
Which city has higher income, Carlsbad or Provo?
Median household income is $139,326 in Carlsbad and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $76,526/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between California and Utah?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Carlsbad or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with median rent of $2,678/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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