2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Big Bear City, CA vs Carlsbad, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Carlsbad or is it cheaper to live in Big Bear City?
- Carlsbad is 30.6% more expensive than Big Bear City.

Which city has more affordable housing, Carlsbad or Big Bear City?
- Carlsbad housing costs are 262.3% more expensive than Big Bear City housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Big Bear City or is Health Care more affordable in Carlsbad.
- Health related expenses are 1.0% more in Carlsbad.
 Big Bear City, CACarlsbad, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries97.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing108.1  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,320,200$338,100
 Utilities107  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock125.6100
 Miscellaneous110.6  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Big Bear City    3 Reviews

Over 17 years ago

this place is great for outdoor  More

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Having lived in Big Bear City, CA for over 6 years, I can tell you that it is one of the best places to raise a family. The schools are excellent, from elementary to  More

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Over 18 years ago

beautiful in the summertime, zowie, would not want to be anywhere else. the cost of living nickels and dimes you to death. one cable choice (expensive), at least 20  More

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Reviews for Carlsbad    38 Reviews

I've lived in Carlsbad (92008) for 8 years now and really appreciate all that it has to offer. Yes, ALL of San Diego County is expensive, but Carlsbad has [possibly]  More

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Over 4 years ago

Carlson has the worst winters. It averages about 10 meters of snow per week. Every shop is  More

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Ok, I get it, the climate is mild and tolerable but even that is over-rated when you consider how many cloudy days there are in this town. The sun coming out at 3 and  More

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