2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Carlsbad, CA vs Novato, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Novato or is it cheaper to live in Carlsbad?
- Novato is 48.5% more expensive than Carlsbad.

Which city has more affordable housing, Novato or Carlsbad?
- Novato housing costs are 10.3% less expensive than Carlsbad housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Carlsbad or is Health Care more affordable in Novato.
- Health related expenses are 23.7% more in Novato.
 Carlsbad, CANovato, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock230.1100
 Food & Groceries113.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock110.1100
 Housing391.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,052,000$338,100
 Utilities97  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock124.4100
 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 Novato    9 Reviews

Lush hills, hiking trails, and easy access to both wine country and San Francisco. We love it here.  More

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Over 10 years ago

Novato is a family oriented community located about 20 miles north of the Golden Gate bridge. The quality of life is excellent here assuming your job pays you enough to  More

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Over 11 years ago

We recently moved to a secluded neighborhood in Novato after 25 years in central Marin. While there are fewer restaurants and galleries, we are very pleased with our  More

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