2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Carlsbad, CA vs Mill Valley, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Mill Valley or is it cheaper to live in Carlsbad?
- Mill Valley is 48.5% more expensive than Carlsbad.

Which city has more affordable housing, Mill Valley or Carlsbad?
- Mill Valley housing costs are 59.9% more expensive than Carlsbad housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Carlsbad or is Health Care more affordable in Mill Valley.
- Health related expenses are 23.7% more in Mill Valley.
 Carlsbad, CAMill Valley, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock230.1100
 Food & Groceries113.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock110.1100
 Housing391.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,814,300$338,100
 Utilities97  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock122.4100
 Miscellaneous154.1  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

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

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Carlsbad

Reviews for Mill Valley    7 Reviews

I lived in southern Marin County for 20 years and lived it. Just moved  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

Mill Valley is a perfect place to live and raise a family, if you don't mind a cost of living index of 233. Don't distress - go mountain biking or hiking with  More

   |    Reply

Over 16 years ago

Good weather all year around. Great public schools. Cost of living very high. Crime low wonderful outdoor activities nearby like hiking, beaches,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Mill Valley


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.