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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Chula Vista is 10% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$2,122/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 17%
$105,173/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 14%
$697,400 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 3%
$2,342/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 13%
275,030
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Chula Vista, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $14,753/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chula Vista is cheaper to live in with an index of 178 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $364/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $14,753/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

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