Cost of Living in Chula Vista, CA
Population 275,030 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Chula Vista's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $697,000 for a typical home, 129% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $105,173 that put it in the upper third of the state. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chula Vista
The median home value in Chula Vista is $697,400 — 129% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,122/month, 61% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $105,173/year is 41% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Chula Vista has a cost of living index of 202 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 102% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chula Vista, CA?
Chula Vista has a cost index of 202 (100 = national average). It is 102% above the national average.
What is average rent in Chula Vista, CA?
The median gross rent in Chula Vista is $2,122 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Chula Vista?
The median home value in Chula Vista is $697,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Chula Vista?
The median household income in Chula Vista is $105,173 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chula Vista, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chula Vista is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Chula Vista, CA affordable?
Chula Vista is above average in cost of living, with an index of 202 — about 102% higher than the national average.
Chula Vista at a Glance
- Population
- 275,030
- Median Income
- $105,173
- Home Value
- $697,400
- Median Rent
- $2,122/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.8%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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