2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Monterey, CA vs Carlsbad, NM

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Carlsbad older or younger than people in Monterey?
- The Median Age in Carlsbad is 2.3 years younger than in Monterey.

Are housing costs cheaper in Carlsbad or Monterey?
- Carlsbad housing costs are 82.0% less expensive than Monterey housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Carlsbad or Monterey?
- The average commute for residents of Carlsbad is 3.0 minutes longer than it is for residents of Monterey.

Things to do in Monterey?
Monterey, CA is an iconic beach city located on the Monterey Peninsula of California's central coast. This picturesque coastal community offers stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, fabulous restaurants and galleries, plus numerous other recreational activities.

Things to do in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad is a city located in southeastern New Mexico that is known for its stunning landscape of caves, limestone cliffs and deserts dotted with cacti. It is home to Carlsbad Caverns National Park which contains over 100 limestone caves filled with unique formations that attract nature-lovers from across the globe. There are also several recreational activities available like rock climbing and ATV tours along with various art galleries featuring local history exhibits to explore!

 Monterey, CACarlsbad, NMUnited States
 Population  Unlock31,525329,725,481
 Median Income$85,365  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,022,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock8.4%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.25  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Monterey    21 Reviews

Over 8 years ago

The Monterey city area is an excellent place to live and one of the few California locales where it's relatively safe to raise a family. If I could no longer live here I  More

   |    Reply

I grew up on the Monterey Peninsula and had to leave to climb out of poverty. The median income is $35,000 and outside of the military, the jobs are mostly service  More

   |    Reply

My husband and I are just crazy about Monterey. I wonder if we take housing expenses (mortgage or rent) out of the picture, is Monterey still a very expensive city to  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Monterey

Reviews for Carlsbad    16 Reviews

I've only been here for a few months, but I can quickly sum up this town as a rundown truck stop, perpetually buffeted by relentless wind, dirt, and hot air. The gas  More

   |    Reply

Over 3 years ago

We used to visit here every few years from Michigan just to see the Living Desert State Park. A very long way to drive to spend a a couple of days in this hauntingly  More

   |    Reply

Been here 9 years. Very difficult place. Price gouging, extremely expensive to live here. Crazy amounts of crime, cops do nothing. Very crowded, bad traffic and crazy  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.