Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Raleigh is 57% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,468/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 82%
$82,424/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 69%
$377,800 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 206%
$1,487/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 88%
470,763
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,210/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $14,520/year.

Median household income is $56,902/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Raleigh or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,210/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $56,902/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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