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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Chula Vista is 7% more expensive than Fairfield.

$2,122/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 3%
$105,173/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 3%
$697,400 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$592,500 ↓ 15%
$2,342/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↓ 5%
275,030
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in Chula Vista, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $2,852/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fairfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 167 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Fairfield?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Fairfield?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $2,852/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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Fairfield details →

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