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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Chula Vista is 30% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$2,122/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 13%
$105,173/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 20%
$697,400 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 31%
$2,342/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 24%
275,030
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $280/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $3,360/year.

Median household income is $20,556/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $280/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $20,556/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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Santa Maria details →

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