Cost of Living: Hampton, VA vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Hampton

Virginia
88
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Hampton is 65% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,346/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 99%
$67,758/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 106%
$234,100 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 394%
$1,347/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 108%
137,334
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hampton, VA and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,332/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $15,984/year.

Median household income is $71,568/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hampton is $234,100 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hampton vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Hampton or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hampton and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Hampton is $1,346/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,332/month.
Which city has higher income, Hampton or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $67,758 in Hampton and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $71,568/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Hampton or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Hampton has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,346/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 Hampton details → View Carlsbad details →

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