Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Denver is 42% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,770/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 51%
$91,681/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 52%
$586,700 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 97%
$1,839/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 52%
713,734
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $908/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $10,896/year.

Median household income is $47,645/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Denver or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $908/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $47,645/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Carlsbad

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