Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Fort Worth is 62% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,412/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 90%
$76,602/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 82%
$277,300 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 317%
$1,489/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 88%
941,311
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,266/month cheaper in Fort Worth, saving renters about $15,192/year.

Median household income is $62,724/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,266/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $62,724/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 Fort Worth or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/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 Fort Worth details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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