Median rent is 39% lower in Carlsbad ($1,206/mo vs $1,965/mo). Buying is cheaper in Carlsbad, where the median home runs $187,900 versus $532,100. Households earn more in Palm City ($117,689 vs $78,277 a year). Taken together, Palm City 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 Palm City, FL.
City A
Carlsbad, NM
City B
Palm City, FL
How much would you need to earn in Palm City, FL to maintain your standard of living from Carlsbad, NM?
Equivalent salary in Palm City, 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
New Mexico
Palm City
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 Carlsbad — median rent of $1,206/mo versus $1,965/mo in Palm City, a 39% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Palm City: the median home is $532,100 versus $187,900 in Carlsbad — 65% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while New Mexico tops out at 5.90% — giving Palm City a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 4.88% in New Mexico and 6.00% in Florida; Carlsbad has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Carlsbad
Income tax: 5.90%
Sales tax: 4.88%
Palm City
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Palm City if you prioritize higher median household income ($117,689/yr).
Pick Carlsbad if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,206/mo median).
Pick Palm City if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Carlsbad cheaper than Palm City?
Palm City 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 Palm City.
How much is rent in Carlsbad vs Palm City?
Median rent is $1,206/mo in Carlsbad, NM and $1,965/mo in Palm City, FL. Carlsbad, NM has the lower rent by about 39%.
Which has higher salaries — Carlsbad or Palm City?
Median household income is $78,277 in Carlsbad, NM and $117,689 in Palm City, FL. Palm City, FL 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 Palm City?
Florida has no state income tax. New Mexico has a top rate of 5.90%.
What salary do I need in Palm City to match my Carlsbad income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Carlsbad, NM is equivalent to roughly $99,834 in Palm City, 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