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

Carlsbad

California
253
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Carlsbad is 220% more expensive than Tyler.

$2,678/mo ↑ 123%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 55%
$139,326/yr ↑ 113%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 53%
$1,156,900 ↑ 435%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 81%
$2,801/mo ↑ 139%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 58%
114,500
Population
107,718

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Carlsbad, CA and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 253 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,479/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $17,748/year.

Median household income is $73,799/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Carlsbad is $1,156,900 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Carlsbad vs Tyler — common questions

Is Carlsbad or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Carlsbad and Tyler?
Median rent in Carlsbad is $2,678/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $1,479/month.
Which city has higher income, Carlsbad or Tyler?
Median household income is $139,326 in Carlsbad and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $73,799/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Carlsbad or Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with median rent of $2,678/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Carlsbad details → View Tyler details →

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