El Paso, TX vs Carlsbad, CA: 67 vs 253

$1,041/mo ↓ 61%

Median Rent

$2,678/mo ↑ 157%

$58,734/yr ↓ 58%

Median Income

$139,326/yr ↑ 137%

$171,700 ↓ 85%

Home Value

$1,156,900 ↑ 574%

$1,044/mo ↓ 63%

Owner Costs

$2,801/mo ↑ 168%

678,147

Population

114,500

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,637/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $19,644/year.

Median household income is $80,592/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is El Paso or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 253 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between El Paso and Carlsbad?

Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,637/month.

Which city has higher income, El Paso or Carlsbad?

Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $80,592/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 El Paso or Carlsbad?

It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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.

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

El Paso

Carlsbad

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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