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

Irving

Texas
102
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Irving is 60% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,517/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 77%
$79,641/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 75%
$287,300 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 303%
$1,521/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 84%
255,036
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irving, TX and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,161/month cheaper in Irving, saving renters about $13,932/year.

Median household income is $59,685/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irving is $287,300 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irving vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Irving or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Irving is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irving and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Irving is $1,517/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,161/month.
Which city has higher income, Irving or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $79,641 in Irving and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $59,685/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 Irving or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Irving has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,517/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 Irving details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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