Newport Beach, CA vs San Carlos, CA

Newport Beach, CA and San Carlos, CA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.3% difference in their overall index. Newport Beach scores 300 while San Carlos scores 290 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Newport Beach is $3,146/month compared to $2,802/month in San Carlos — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: San Carlos is more affordable at $2,000,001 median vs $2,000,001.

Median household income in Newport Beach is $158,461 compared to $233,333 in San Carlos (-32.1%). San Carlos offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Newport Beach spend roughly 23.8% of their income on rent, more than the 14.4% in San Carlos.

Climate-wise, Newport Beach is notably warmer with an average of 64.9°F compared to 58.7°F in San Carlos. San Carlos receives more rainfall at 19.6" per year compared to 11.2" in Newport Beach.