Moving from Concord, CA to Carlsbad, CA
Moving from Concord, CA to Carlsbad, CA covers 464 mi and about 8h 48m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
464 mi Β· 8h 48m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 5 TRUCK, I 580 |
| Major cities en route | Antioch, Fairfield, Vallejo, Berkeley, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Concord | Carlsbad | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 115.613 | 111.887 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 172.585 | 174.247 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 108.465 | 107.963 | 100.0 |
| Services | 194.718 | 179.267 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Concord (115.613) and Carlsbad (111.887) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Carlsbad: 3.2% above Concord on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Concord -3.4%, Carlsbad -3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Concord | Carlsbad |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 48Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 74Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 16.1" | 11.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CONCORD BUCHANAN FLD, CA US, CARLSBAD PALOMAR AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Concord | Carlsbad |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,260 | 114,500 |
| Median household income | $109,195 | $139,326 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 42.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.1% | 36.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.6 |
Median household income in Carlsbad is 3.2% above Concord ($109,195 vs $139,326, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Carlsbad MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 166,920 | $48,270 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 155,650 | $35,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 123,300 | $38,790 |
| Management Occupations | 114,190 | $134,250 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 112,110 | $83,560 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Carlsbad sees only 11.4 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
Is Carlsbad more expensive than Concord?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Carlsbad is 3.2% lower than Concord (111.887 vs 115.613, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Concord vs Carlsbad?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $139,326 in Carlsbad vs $109,195 in Concord β a 27.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Carlsbad compared to Concord?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,370,649 in Carlsbad vs $742,769 in Concord β a 84.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Carlsbad, CA from Concord, CA?
The driving distance is 464 mi and the route typically takes 8h 48m via I 5 and I 5 TRUCK. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Carlsbad compare to Concord?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $53,090 in the Carlsbad MSA vs $72,050 in the Concord MSA, on total employment of 1,522,620 and 2,422,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Concord to Carlsbad?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 464 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Concord.
City profiles: Concord, CA Β· Carlsbad, CA.