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

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Killeen is 70% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,147/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 133%
$58,339/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 139%
$196,000 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 490%
$1,176/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 138%
156,144
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,531/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $18,372/year.

Median household income is $80,987/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Killeen or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,531/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $80,987/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 Killeen or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/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 Killeen details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Killeen and Carlsbad

Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale Carlsbad vs. East Los Angeles Carlsbad vs. Waterbury Carlsbad vs. Lowell Carlsbad vs. Provo Carlsbad vs. League City Carlsbad vs. Elgin