Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Chicago is 60% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,380/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 94%
$75,134/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 85%
$315,200 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 267%
$1,502/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 86%
2,707,648
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,298/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $15,576/year.

Median household income is $64,192/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Chicago or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,298/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $64,192/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Carlsbad

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