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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Chula Vista is 26% more expensive than Lakewood.

$2,122/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 18%
$105,173/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 18%
$697,400 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 21%
$2,342/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 26%
275,030
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $376/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $4,512/year.

Median household income is $19,384/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Lakewood?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $376/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Lakewood?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $19,384/year higher in Chula Vista.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Chula Vista or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chula Vista and Lakewood

Chula Vista vs. Madison Chula Vista vs. Gilbert Chula Vista vs. Buffalo Chula Vista vs. North Las Vegas Chula Vista vs. Chandler Chula Vista vs. Reno Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield