Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Philadelphia is 66% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,323/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 102%
$60,698/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 130%
$232,400 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 398%
$1,233/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 127%
1,582,432
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,355/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $16,260/year.

Median household income is $78,628/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,355/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $78,628/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and California?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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