Cost of Living: Chula Vista, CA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Chula Vista is 256% more expensive than Dayton.

$2,122/mo ↑ 145%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 59%
$105,173/yr ↑ 142%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 59%
$697,400 ↑ 648%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 87%
$2,342/mo ↑ 181%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 64%
275,030
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,256/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $15,072/year.

Median household income is $61,719/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Dayton — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Dayton?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $1,256/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Dayton?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $61,719/year higher in Chula Vista.
How do taxes compare between California and Ohio?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Chula Vista or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Dayton details →

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