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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Chula Vista is 19% cheaper than Pasadena.

$2,122/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 5%
$105,173/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 1%
$697,400 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 50%
$2,342/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ≈ Same
275,030
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Chula Vista, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $1,395/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chula Vista is cheaper to live in with an index of 178 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Pasadena?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Pasadena?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $1,395/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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Pasadena details →

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