Median rent is 47% lower in Melbourne ($1,411/mo vs $2,678/mo). Buying is cheaper in Melbourne, where the median home runs $272,900 versus $1,156,900. Households earn more in Carlsbad ($139,326 vs $64,504 a year). Taken together, Melbourne is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 114.4 against 114.6 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Carlsbad, CA.
City A
Carlsbad, CA
City B
Melbourne, FL
How much would you need to earn in Melbourne, FL to maintain your standard of living from Carlsbad, CA?
Equivalent salary in Melbourne, FL
$74,876
You could earn $124 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Carlsbad
California
Melbourne
Florida
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Melbourne — median rent of $1,411/mo versus $2,678/mo in Carlsbad, a 47% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Carlsbad: the median home is $1,156,900 versus $272,900 in Melbourne — 76% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Melbourne a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.00% in Florida; Melbourne has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Carlsbad
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Melbourne
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Carlsbad if you prioritize higher median household income ($139,326/yr).
Pick Melbourne if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,411/mo median).
Pick Melbourne if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Carlsbad cheaper than Melbourne?
Melbourne is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 114.4 versus 114.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Melbourne.
How much is rent in Carlsbad vs Melbourne?
Median rent is $2,678/mo in Carlsbad, CA and $1,411/mo in Melbourne, FL. Melbourne, FL has the lower rent by about 47%.
Which has higher salaries — Carlsbad or Melbourne?
Median household income is $139,326 in Carlsbad, CA and $64,504 in Melbourne, FL. Carlsbad, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Carlsbad or Melbourne?
Florida has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Melbourne to match my Carlsbad income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Carlsbad, CA is equivalent to roughly $99,834 in Melbourne, FL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology