Moving from Long Beach, CA to Carlsbad, CA
The 76 mi from Long Beach to Carlsbad translate to about 1h 37m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
76 mi Β· 1h 37m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 73, I 405 |
| Major cities en route | Torrance, Los Angeles, Glendale, Inglewood, Burbank |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Long Beach | Carlsbad | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 111.887 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 174.247 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 107.963 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 179.267 | 100.0 |
Carlsbad and Long Beach are close on the overall BEA RPP (113.566 vs 111.887); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Carlsbad typical home at $1,370,649 is 1.5% above Long Beach at $857,861 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Long Beach +0.5%, Carlsbad -3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Long Beach | Carlsbad |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 48Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 74Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.0" | 11.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 64.9Β°F vs 62.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US, CARLSBAD PALOMAR AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Long Beach | Carlsbad |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 458,491 | 114,500 |
| Median household income | $83,969 | $139,326 |
| Median age | 36.8 | 42.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.3% | 36.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 1.5% between Long Beach and Carlsbad (ACS 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
How much do homes cost in Carlsbad compared to Long Beach?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,370,649 in Carlsbad vs $857,861 in Long Beach β a 59.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Carlsbad compare to Long Beach?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $53,090 in the Carlsbad MSA vs $50,490 in the Long Beach MSA, on total employment of 1,522,620 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Long Beach vs Carlsbad?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $139,326 in Carlsbad vs $83,969 in Long Beach β a 65.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Carlsbad more expensive than Long Beach?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Carlsbad is 1.5% lower than Long Beach (111.887 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Carlsbad, CA from Long Beach, CA?
The driving distance is 76 mi and the route typically takes 1h 37m via I 5 and CA 73. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Long Beach to Carlsbad?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 76 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 Long Beach.
City profiles: Long Beach, CA Β· Carlsbad, CA.