Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Modesto is 53% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,609/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 66%
$77,899/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 79%
$415,600 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 178%
$1,613/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 74%
218,614
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,069/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $12,828/year.

Median household income is $61,427/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Modesto or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,069/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $61,427/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Carlsbad vs. East Los Angeles Carlsbad vs. Waterbury Carlsbad vs. Lowell Carlsbad vs. Provo Carlsbad vs. League City Carlsbad vs. Elgin