2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Carlsbad, CA vs Carefree, AZ

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Carefree or is it cheaper to live in Carlsbad?
- Carefree is 27.0% less expensive than Carlsbad.

Which city has more affordable housing, Carefree or Carlsbad?
- Carefree housing costs are 8.6% less expensive than Carlsbad housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Carlsbad or is Health Care more affordable in Carefree.
- Health related expenses are 3.9% more in Carefree.
 Carlsbad, CACarefree, AZUnited States
 Overall  Unlock113.0100
 Food & Groceries113.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock92.5100
 Housing391.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,132,400$338,100
 Utilities97  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock114.4100
 Miscellaneous154.1  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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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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Reviews for Carefree    4 Reviews

Carefree is not the laid back community it once was. It’s inundated with bikers because of the town of Cave Creek, which is a haven for Bikers and “Forever Trump” cult  More

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Over 9 years ago

Delightful from Mid-Oct thru Mid-May. Very hot in summer but the dryness does allow for more activities than a humid climate does. I can testify to that, having lived in  More

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Over 16 years ago

Life in Carefree is definitely free and easy. Part Cowboy and part resort there is peace and quiet all around. If you love the old west than you are in the heart of it  More

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