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

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Highlights
Are people in Monterey older or younger than people in Carlsbad?
- The Median Age in Monterey is 5.1 years younger than in Carlsbad.

Are housing costs cheaper in Monterey or Carlsbad?
- Monterey housing costs are 22.6% less expensive than Carlsbad housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Monterey or Carlsbad?
- The average commute for residents of Monterey is 12.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Carlsbad.

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!

Things to do in Monterey?
Monterey, CA is an iconic beach city located on the Monterey Peninsula of California's central coast. This picturesque coastal community offers stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, fabulous restaurants and galleries, plus numerous other recreational activities.

 Carlsbad, CAMonterey, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock30,014329,725,481
 Median Income$119,302  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,320,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.8%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time28.02  Unlock26.38
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 Monterey    21 Reviews

Over 8 years ago

The Monterey city area is an excellent place to live and one of the few California locales where it's relatively safe to raise a family. If I could no longer live here I  More

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I grew up on the Monterey Peninsula and had to leave to climb out of poverty. The median income is $35,000 and outside of the military, the jobs are mostly service  More

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My husband and I are just crazy about Monterey. I wonder if we take housing expenses (mortgage or rent) out of the picture, is Monterey still a very expensive city to  More

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