Cost of Living: Pembroke Pines, FL vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Pembroke Pines

Florida
130
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Pembroke Pines is 49% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,910/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 40%
$81,675/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 71%
$411,700 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 181%
$1,717/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 63%
170,557
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pembroke Pines, FL and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $768/month cheaper in Pembroke Pines, saving renters about $9,216/year.

Median household income is $57,651/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pembroke Pines is $411,700 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Pembroke Pines residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pembroke Pines vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Pembroke Pines or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pembroke Pines is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pembroke Pines and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Pembroke Pines is $1,910/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $768/month.
Which city has higher income, Pembroke Pines or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $81,675 in Pembroke Pines and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $57,651/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Pembroke Pines or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Pembroke Pines has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,910/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 Pembroke Pines details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pembroke Pines and Carlsbad

Pembroke Pines vs. Garden Grove Pembroke Pines vs. Lancaster Pembroke Pines vs. Clarksville Pembroke Pines vs. Fort Collins Pembroke Pines vs. Oceanside Pembroke Pines vs. Springfield Carlsbad vs. East Los Angeles Carlsbad vs. Waterbury Carlsbad vs. Lowell Carlsbad vs. Provo Carlsbad vs. League City Carlsbad vs. Elgin