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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Chula Vista is 59% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$2,122/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 31%
$105,173/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 39%
$697,400 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 44%
$2,342/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 34%
275,030
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $659/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $7,908/year.

Median household income is $41,299/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Elizabeth slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $659/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $41,299/year higher in Chula Vista.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Chula Vista or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Elizabeth details →

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