Cost of Living: Concord, CA vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Concord

California
187
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Concord is 26% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$2,226/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 20%
$109,195/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 28%
$755,900 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 53%
$2,284/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 23%
124,260
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Concord, CA and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $452/month cheaper in Concord, saving renters about $5,424/year.

Median household income is $30,131/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Concord is $755,900 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Concord vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Concord or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Concord is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Concord and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Concord is $2,226/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $452/month.
Which city has higher income, Concord or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $109,195 in Concord and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $30,131/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Concord or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Concord has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $2,226/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 Concord details → View Carlsbad details →

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