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

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Salinas or is it cheaper to live in Carlsbad?
- Salinas is 1.9% less expensive than Carlsbad.

Which city has more affordable housing, Salinas or Carlsbad?
- Salinas housing costs are 45.0% less expensive than Carlsbad housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Carlsbad or is Health Care more affordable in Salinas.
- Health related expenses are 61.5% more in Salinas.
 Carlsbad, CASalinas, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock151.9100
 Food & Groceries113.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock143.7100
 Housing391.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$665,400$338,100
 Utilities97  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock100.4100
 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 Salinas    15 Reviews

Over 11 years ago

Sacred Heart School is a fine Catholic school in the heart of Salinas, Ca. Victoria Torcolini was principal of this PK-8 school from 2006-2009. Under her leadership, SHS  More

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Over 13 years ago

I Was born and raise in salinas. In 2006 my family moved to the central valley. I moved back to salinas in 2011. I moved back Because I got a better job in Carmel. I  More

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Salinas, California has some of the best weather in Central California. I love looking out at the mountain ranges that line the Salinas River Valley. It's a shame that  More

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