2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Carlsbad, CA vs San Marcos, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Marcos or is it cheaper to live in Carlsbad?
- San Marcos is 0.0% more expensive than Carlsbad.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Marcos or Carlsbad?
- San Marcos housing costs are 33.6% less expensive than Carlsbad housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Carlsbad or is Health Care more affordable in San Marcos.
- Health related expenses are 0.0% less in San Marcos.
 Carlsbad, CASan Marcos, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries113.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing391.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$813,500$338,100
 Utilities97  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock122.9100
 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 San Marcos    5 Reviews

Just an amazing place to live. I have lived in 7 states and almost countless cities. Sam Marcos is one of the best. This is literally the longest place I have lived  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

Is this area to expensive for the average income retired  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

Beautiful Mediterranean climate with bright sunshine and ocean breazes. City is just 15 minutes away from the  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of San Marcos


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.