Is Austin, TX cheaper than Carlsbad, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 24.4% cheaper than Carlsbad, CA. This translates to saving $1827 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Carlsbad, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Carlsbad, CA, you'd need approximately $128,075.151 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Carlsbad, CA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 35.1% cheaper than in Carlsbad, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,990/month in Carlsbad, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Carlsbad, CA to Austin, TX?

Moving from Carlsbad, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $1827 per month, or $21925 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Carlsbad, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Carlsbad, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from San Diego, CA area

Current salary in Carlsbad, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.8K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $128.1K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 24.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,827

Savings

Annual Impact

$21.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Carlsbad, CA

Population:113K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.28M

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:76

Median Home:$558K

Carlsbad, CA

The Golden State

113K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 113K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Carlsbad, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Carlsbad, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,446/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $1,561less	35.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,486/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $201less	13.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,049/mo	$959/mo	↓ $90.17less	8.6%
⚡All Utilities	$616/mo	$541/mo	↓ $75.42less	12.2%
📦Other	$1,789/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $47.84less	2.7%
🏥Healthcare	$621/mo	$589/mo	↓ $31.98less	5.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 35.1%

Carlsbad, CA

$4,446

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$1,561

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.6%

Carlsbad, CA

$1,486

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$201

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.6%

Carlsbad, CA

$1,049

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$90.17

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 12.2%

Carlsbad, CA

$616

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$75.42

less

📦Other

↓ 2.7%

Carlsbad, CA

$1,789

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$47.84

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.2%

Carlsbad, CA

$621

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$31.98

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,283

To$1,585

↓ $698

1 Bed

From$2,448

To$1,685

↓ $763

2 Bed

From$2,990

To$1,995

↓ $995

3 Bed

From$3,983

To$2,525

↓ $1,458

Carlsbad, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,840–$3,250/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$10,006

Monthly in Carlsbad, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$2,008

Difference

Home Values

Carlsbad

Austin

$1.28M

Median Value

$558K

↑ +18.9%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +91.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$1.05M - $1.52M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 57% less expensive than Carlsbad

Calculate payment - Carlsbad Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Carlsbad, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Carlsbad, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.