2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Mercer Island, WA vs Carlsbad, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Carlsbad older or younger than people in Mercer Island?
- The Median Age in Carlsbad is 3.0 years younger than in Mercer Island.

Are housing costs cheaper in Carlsbad or Mercer Island?
- Carlsbad housing costs are 38.5% less expensive than Mercer Island housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Carlsbad or Mercer Island?
- The average commute for residents of Carlsbad is 4.3 minutes longer than it is for residents of Mercer Island.

Things to do in Mercer Island?
Mercer Island, Washington is a vibrant city located in King County and renowned for its lush parks and nature reserves, thriving restaurants, and small-town charm. It offers plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy, from exploring Luther Burbank Park to kayaking on Lake Washington. Visitors can also explore local attractions such as the Mercer Island Historical Society or shop at nearby malls such as Bellevue Square. With easy access to Seattle and other major cities like Redmond and Kirkland, Mercer Island makes an ideal destination for visitors seeking an unforgettable experience close to urban amenities.

Things to do in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad, California is a stunning coastal city in San Diego County that offers something for everybody. From its beautiful beaches to the bustling downtown area and vibrant art scene, Carlsbad has something to offer anyone looking to explore the city. With year-round sunny weather, plenty of outdoor activities such as surfing, kayaking and hiking, and world-class resorts and spas, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy your time here. Whether you're visiting for a day or planning to stay longer, Carlsbad will be sure to leave you with lasting memories!

 Mercer Island, WACarlsbad, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock114,858329,725,481
 Median Income$170,000  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock42.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$2,145,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.72  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Mercer Island    4 Reviews

Mercer Island is a wonderful family community. It feels much more "small town" than a city even though it has a population of 20,000+. People say hello and watch out  More

   |    Reply

Mercer Island is a suburb of Seattle, located on an island in Lake Washington. The best thing about Mercer Island is its strategically central location relative to the  More

   |    Reply

Mercer Island is a suburb of Seattle, located on an island in Lake Washington. The best thing about Mercer Island is its strategically central location relative to the  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Mercer 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 5 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.