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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Modesto

California
120

Chula Vista is 48% more expensive than Modesto.

$2,122/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 24%
$105,173/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 26%
$697,400 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 40%
$2,342/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 31%
275,030
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $513/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $6,156/year.

Median household income is $27,274/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Modesto — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Modesto?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $513/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Modesto?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $27,274/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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Modesto details →

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