Cost of Living: Chula Vista, CA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Chula Vista is 26% cheaper than Cambridge.

$2,122/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 29%
$105,173/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 20%
$697,400 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 49%
$2,342/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 12%
275,030
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $620/month cheaper in Chula Vista, saving renters about $7,440/year.

Median household income is $21,296/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chula Vista is cheaper to live in with an index of 178 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Cambridge?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $620/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Cambridge?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $21,296/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Chula Vista or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Cambridge details →

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