Cost of Living: Overland Park, KS vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Overland Park

Kansas
111
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Overland Park is 56% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,455/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 84%
$103,838/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 34%
$384,400 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 201%
$1,557/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 80%
197,199
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

16.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Overland Park, KS and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,223/month cheaper in Overland Park, saving renters about $14,676/year.

Median household income is $35,488/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Overland Park is $384,400 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Overland Park slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Overland Park vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Overland Park or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Overland Park is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Overland Park and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Overland Park is $1,455/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,223/month.
Which city has higher income, Overland Park or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $103,838 in Overland Park and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $35,488/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and California?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Overland Park or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Overland Park has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,455/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 Overland Park details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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