2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Carlsbad, CA vs Philadelphia, PA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Philadelphia or is it cheaper to live in Carlsbad?
- Philadelphia is 32.7% less expensive than Carlsbad.

Which city has more affordable housing, Philadelphia or Carlsbad?
- Philadelphia housing costs are 80.6% less expensive than Carlsbad housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Carlsbad or is Health Care more affordable in Philadelphia.
- Health related expenses are 14.7% more in Philadelphia.
 Carlsbad, CAPhiladelphia, PAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock104.3100
 Food & Groceries113.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.1100
 Housing391.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$205,900$338,100
 Utilities97  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock141.9100
 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 Philadelphia    139 Reviews

Philadelphia is a very walkable and fun city to explore (albeit be aware of where not to explore at least at night). The city has beautiful old architecture , great  More

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I’m originally from New York City, then lived in a small city in upstate New York for eight years, then moved down to Philadelphia and have lived here for many years.  More

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Now the only reason some people disagree is because MONEY. If you live in “manayunk” (which I lived for 2 years) you can’t compare … you can’t compare your out skirt  More

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