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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

Chula Vista, CA and San Diego, CA have similar living costs

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.0K in San Diego, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area
Overall Cost
0.0%
Same cost
Monthly Impact
$0
No change
Annual Impact
$0
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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K
Cost Index:
100
(national average)
Median Home:$980K

Chula Vista, CA

The Golden State

275K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

  • Year-round perfect weather
  • Major military presence
  • Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chula Vista, CA vs San Diego, CA

Housing
0.0%
Chula Vista, CA
$5,223
San Diego, CA
$5,223
Difference
$0
same
Groceries
0.0%
Chula Vista, CA
$1,079
San Diego, CA
$1,079
Difference
$0
same
Transportation
0.0%
Chula Vista, CA
$1,571
San Diego, CA
$1,571
Difference
$0
same
All Utilities
0.0%
Chula Vista, CA
$634
San Diego, CA
$634
Difference
$0
same
Healthcare
0.0%
Chula Vista, CA
$638
San Diego, CA
$638
Difference
$0
same
Other
0.0%
Chula Vista, CA
$1,892
San Diego, CA
$1,892
Difference
$0
same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$3,130
To$2,565
$565
1 Bed
From$3,360
To$2,755
$605
2 Bed
From$4,100
To$3,360
$740
3 Bed
From$5,460
To$4,475
$985
Chula Vista, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,280$3,690/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980$3,690/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
$11,037
Monthly in San Diego, CA
$0
Difference

Home Values

Chula Vista
San Diego
$840K
Median Value
$980K
↓ -2.4%
YoY Change
↓ -3%
↑ +35.6%
5-Year Change
↑ +37.4%
$748K - $1.14M
Price Range
$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 17% more expensive than Chula Vista

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
$0
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

San Diego, 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%

San Diego, 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.

Environment

Chula Vista
San Diego
71 Moderate
Air Quality
71 Moderate
12.8%
Good Air Days
12.8%
100 Very High
Climate Risk
100 Very High
🔥🌊🌡
Top Hazards
🔥🌊🌡
+2.0°F
2050 Outlook
+2.1°F
1 days
Heat Days >95°F
1 days
+2.0°F
2050 Outlook
+2.1°F
1 days
Heat Days >95°F
1 days

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