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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Plano is 48% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,792/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 49%
$108,649/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 28%
$440,600 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 163%
$1,829/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 53%
287,339
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $886/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $10,632/year.

Median household income is $30,677/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Plano or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $886/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $30,677/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 Plano or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Carlsbad details →

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