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

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Mateo or is it cheaper to live in Carlsbad?
- San Mateo is 61.4% more expensive than Carlsbad.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Mateo or Carlsbad?
- San Mateo housing costs are 37.3% more expensive than Carlsbad housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Carlsbad or is Health Care more affordable in San Mateo.
- Health related expenses are 31.9% more in San Mateo.
 Carlsbad, CASan Mateo, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock250.0100
 Food & Groceries113.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock117.4100
 Housing391.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,378,900$338,100
 Utilities97  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock143.4100
 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 San Mateo    12 Reviews

I have lived in San Mateo since 2013. It has seen tremendous growth, lots of new restaurants which have become progressively more high-end though there is ample  More

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I'm a native of California. I have lived in the southern part of the state and the northern part of the state for most of my life. I have spent the last 29 years in  More

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Over 15 years ago

San Mateo has a diverse mix of people, a pleasant climate, a very pleasant downtown park with lots going on, and pretty much whatever you need handy. It's not far to  More

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