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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Downey

California
169

Chula Vista is 5% more expensive than Downey.

$2,122/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 11%
$105,173/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 17%
$697,400 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 4%
$2,342/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 15%
275,030
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $230/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $2,760/year.

Median household income is $17,773/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Downey — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Downey?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $230/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Downey?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $17,773/year higher in Chula Vista.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chula Vista or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Downey details →

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