Cost of Living in Carlsbad, NM
Population 31,813 · New Mexico · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Carlsbad offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $188,000 — costs less than 2.4 times median household income of $78,277, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago.
Carlsbad lies roughly 115 miles west of the nearest major metro, Odessa — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 10% lower than Odessa's $208,000.
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 $187,900 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,206/month, 8% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $78,277/year is 5% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. New Mexico's top state income tax rate is 5.9% and the combined sales tax is 7.7%. The climate averages highs of 77.8°F and lows of 48.9°F. Overall, Carlsbad has a cost of living index of 74 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% less 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 | 58 | 63 | 71 | 80 | 88 | 96 | 95 | 94 | 87 | 78 | 66 | 57 |
| Low °F | 30 | 34 | 40 | 48 | 57 | 66 | 69 | 68 | 61 | 49 | 37 | 30 |
| Precip" | 0.37 | 0.42 | 0.54 | 0.45 | 1.15 | 1.19 | 1.76 | 1.65 | 2.58 | 0.89 | 0.53 | 0.52 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Carlsbad, NM?
Carlsbad has a cost index of 74 (100 = national average). It is 26% below the national average.
What is average rent in Carlsbad, NM?
The median gross rent in Carlsbad is $1,206 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carlsbad?
The median home value in Carlsbad is $187,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Carlsbad?
The median household income in Carlsbad is $78,277 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carlsbad, NM?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carlsbad is 7.7%. The New Mexico state income tax top rate is 5.9%.
Is Carlsbad, NM affordable?
Yes, Carlsbad is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 74 — about 26% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad has average high temperatures of 77.8°F and average lows of 48.9°F. Annual precipitation is 12.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Carlsbad at a Glance
- Population
- 31,813
- Median Income
- $78,277
- Home Value
- $187,900
- Median Rent
- $1,206/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 77.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
New Mexico Rankings
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