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

League City

Texas
114
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

League City is 139% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,628/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 64%
$119,870/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 16%
$334,000 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 246%
$1,766/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 59%
114,885
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

16.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing League City, TX and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 114 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,050/month cheaper in League City, saving renters about $12,600/year.

Median household income is $19,456/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in League City is $334,000 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

League City vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is League City or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, League City is cheaper to live in with an index of 114 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between League City and Carlsbad?
Median rent in League City is $1,628/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,050/month.
Which city has higher income, League City or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $119,870 in League City and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $19,456/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 League City or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. League City has a cost index of 114 with median rent of $1,628/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.
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