2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Marco Island, FL vs Carlsbad, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Carlsbad or is it cheaper to live in Marco Island?
- Carlsbad is 37.1% more expensive than Marco Island.

Which city has more affordable housing, Carlsbad or Marco Island?
- Carlsbad housing costs are 76.8% more expensive than Marco Island housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Marco Island or is Health Care more affordable in Carlsbad.
- Health related expenses are 16.6% less in Carlsbad.
 Marco Island, FLCarlsbad, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries113.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing221.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,320,200$338,100
 Utilities98  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock125.6100
 Miscellaneous109.5  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 Marco Island    3 Reviews

We just purchased a home here from San Diego, Ca. Marco island is so refreshing! It is Clean, no trash, people care about their yards and community with impeccable  More

   |    Reply

Over 8 years ago

We moved here upon retirement and have been delighted with our new community. With canals crisscrossing the entire island, most homesites are on the water, and we enjoy  More

   |    Reply

I have been coming to Marco Island for the past couple of years to spend the 4th of July with my family in this beautiful city, but never again. From what we learned  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Marco Island

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


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.