Is Ontario, CA cheaper than Chula Vista, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Ontario, CA is 17.4% cheaper than Chula Vista, CA. This translates to saving $1302 per month.

What salary do I need in Ontario, CA to live like I do in Chula Vista, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Chula Vista, CA, you'd need approximately $134,375 in Ontario, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chula Vista, CA and Ontario, CA?

Housing in Ontario, CA is 29.4% cheaper than in Chula Vista, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,580/month in Ontario, CA compared to $4,100/month in Chula Vista, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chula Vista, CA to Ontario, CA?

Moving from Chula Vista, CA to Ontario, CA could save you approximately $1302 per month, or $15625 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chula Vista, CA vs Ontario, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Chula Vista, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.3K/month moving to Ontario, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $134.4K in Ontario, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 17.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,302

Savings

Annual Impact

$15.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Chula Vista, CA

Population:275K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$840K

Ontario, CA

Population:182K

Cost Index:

(17% below avg)

Median Home:$672K

Chula Vista, CA

The Golden State

275K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 275K residents.

Ontario, CA

The Golden State

182K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 182K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chula Vista, CA vs Ontario, CA

Category	Chula Vista, CA	Ontario, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,223/mo	$3,690/mo	↓ $1,533less	29.4%
Transportation	$1,571/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $587more	37.4%
Other	$1,892/mo	$1,724/mo	↓ $167less	8.8%
Healthcare	$638/mo	$551/mo	↓ $86.74less	13.6%
All Utilities	$634/mo	$557/mo	↓ $76.50less	12.1%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,039/mo	↓ $39.97less	3.7%

Housing

↓ 29.4%

Chula Vista, CA

$5,223

Ontario, CA

$3,690

Difference

$1,533

less

Transportation

↑ 37.4%

Chula Vista, CA

$1,571

Ontario, CA

$2,158

Difference

$587

Other

↓ 8.8%

Chula Vista, CA

$1,892

Ontario, CA

$1,724

Difference

$167

less

Healthcare

↓ 13.6%

Chula Vista, CA

$638

Ontario, CA

$551

Difference

$86.74

less

All Utilities

↓ 12.1%

Chula Vista, CA

$634

Ontario, CA

$557

Difference

$76.50

less

Groceries

↓ 3.7%

Chula Vista, CA

$1,079

Ontario, CA

$1,039

Difference

$39.97

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,130

To$1,980

↓ $1,150

1 Bed

From$3,360

To$2,080

↓ $1,280

2 Bed

From$4,100

To$2,580

↓ $1,520

3 Bed

From$5,460

To$3,410

↓ $2,050

Chula Vista, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,280–$3,690/mo

Ontario, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$2,240/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,037

Monthly in Chula Vista, CA

$9,721

Monthly in Ontario, CA

$1,316

Difference

Home Values

Chula Vista

Ontario

$840K

Median Value

$672K

↓ -2.4%

YoY Change

↓ -1.9%

↑ +35.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +34.4%

$748K - $1.14M

Price Range

$623K - $683K

Homes in Ontario are 20% less expensive than Chula Vista

Calculate payment - Chula Vista Calculate payment - Ontario

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Chula Vista, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Ontario, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Chula Vista, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Ontario, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.