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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Chula Vista is 3% more expensive than Santa Rosa.

$2,122/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↓ 2%
$105,173/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↓ 7%
$697,400 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$685,000 ↓ 2%
$2,342/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↓ 9%
275,030
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,763/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Rosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $38/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $7,763/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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chula Vista and Santa Rosa

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