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

College Station

Texas
91
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

College Station is 64% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,168/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 129%
$51,776/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 169%
$326,500 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 254%
$1,251/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 124%
122,280
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,510/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $18,120/year.

Median household income is $87,550/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is College Station or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and Carlsbad?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,510/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $87,550/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 College Station or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/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 College Station details → View Carlsbad details →

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