2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Waltham, MA vs Carlsbad, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Carlsbad or is it cheaper to live in Waltham?
- Carlsbad is 7.0% more expensive than Waltham.

Which city has more affordable housing, Carlsbad or Waltham?
- Carlsbad housing costs are 61.8% more expensive than Waltham housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Waltham or is Health Care more affordable in Carlsbad.
- Health related expenses are 0.2% less in Carlsbad.
 Waltham, MACarlsbad, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries112.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing242.1  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,320,200$338,100
 Utilities120  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock125.6100
 Miscellaneous177.4  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Waltham    2 Reviews

Over 15 years ago

My husband and I moved from west of Worcester to Waltham a few months ago and are really enjoying life here. We're situated in an apartment close to Moody Street and  More

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Waltham is home to two well respected colleges/universities: Bentley and Brandeis. That, however, is not all. For within half an hour or so, by commuter train or car,  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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