2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Brea, CA vs Carlsbad, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Carlsbad older or younger than people in Brea?
- The Median Age in Carlsbad is 2.2 years older than in Brea.

Are housing costs cheaper in Carlsbad or Brea?
- Carlsbad housing costs are 40.1% more expensive than Brea housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Carlsbad or Brea?
- The average commute for residents of Carlsbad is 5.4 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Brea.

Things to do in Brea?
Brea, California is a city located in Orange County that has become known for its entertainment options including Downtown Brea's Main Street Promenade and Brea Mall Shopping Center.

Things to do in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad, California is a stunning coastal city in San Diego County that offers something for everybody. From its beautiful beaches to the bustling downtown area and vibrant art scene, Carlsbad has something to offer anyone looking to explore the city. With year-round sunny weather, plenty of outdoor activities such as surfing, kayaking and hiking, and world-class resorts and spas, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy your time here. Whether you're visiting for a day or planning to stay longer, Carlsbad will be sure to leave you with lasting memories!

 Brea, CACarlsbad, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock114,858329,725,481
 Median Income$108,721  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$942,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time33.43  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Brea    10 Reviews

I have lived in Orange County and Los Angeles County for over 20 years. The cost of living has prompted 3 friends to move to the Central Valley, Oregon and Washington  More

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Over 12 years ago

I loved living here in Brea, CA for over 17 years. It is a great community. For being a small north Orange County city it has a lot to offer. Schools are really  More

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Great city in N. Orange County. Affordable with lots of  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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