Cost of Living in Carlsbad, CA
Population 114,500 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Carlsbad sits 279% above the national median — $1.2 million for the typical home — but median household incomes near $139,326 (87% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Carlsbad
The median home value in Carlsbad is $1,156,900 — 279% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,678/month, 104% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $139,326/year is 87% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 69.2°F and lows of 55.8°F. Overall, Carlsbad has a cost of living index of 309 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 209% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 65 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 68 | 70 | 74 | 76 | 76 | 73 | 70 | 65 |
| Low °F | 48 | 49 | 51 | 53 | 57 | 60 | 64 | 65 | 64 | 59 | 52 | 47 |
| Precip" | 2.49 | 2.64 | 1.61 | 0.88 | 0.28 | 0.06 | 0.08 | 0.03 | 0.11 | 0.50 | 0.99 | 1.72 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Carlsbad, CA?
Carlsbad has a cost index of 309 (100 = national average). It is 209% above the national average.
What is average rent in Carlsbad, CA?
The median gross rent in Carlsbad is $2,678 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carlsbad?
The median home value in Carlsbad is $1,156,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Carlsbad?
The median household income in Carlsbad is $139,326 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carlsbad, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carlsbad is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Carlsbad, CA affordable?
Carlsbad is above average in cost of living, with an index of 309 — about 209% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad has average high temperatures of 69.2°F and average lows of 55.8°F. Annual precipitation is 11.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Carlsbad at a Glance
- Population
- 114,500
- Median Income
- $139,326
- Home Value
- $1,156,900
- Median Rent
- $2,678/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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