Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Springfield is 69% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,114/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 140%
$51,339/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 171%
$222,700 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 419%
$1,276/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 120%
154,751
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,564/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $18,768/year.

Median household income is $87,987/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Springfield or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,564/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $87,987/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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