2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Tustin, CA vs Carlsbad, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Carlsbad or is it cheaper to live in Tustin?
- Carlsbad is 6.1% less expensive than Tustin.

Which city has more affordable housing, Carlsbad or Tustin?
- Carlsbad housing costs are 31.6% more expensive than Tustin housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Tustin or is Health Care more affordable in Carlsbad.
- Health related expenses are 4.7% less in Carlsbad.
 Tustin, CACarlsbad, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries103.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing297.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,320,200$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock125.6100
 Miscellaneous156.1  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Tustin    8 Reviews

There's no excitement in Tustin. Totally sleepy hollow place. Good  More

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I grew up in Tustin. The major pro is it has a small town feel with access to many choices of shops and restaurants. Don't let these negative Nancys fool you the  More

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Over 17 years ago

This is a great area for road cycling. Many streets have bike lanes, there are off-road bike paths going down to the beach, and the weather is great most of the year.   More

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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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