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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Chula Vista

California
178

Long Beach is 5% cheaper than Chula Vista.

$1,803/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,122/mo ↑ 18%
$83,969/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$105,173/yr ↑ 25%
$762,200 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$697,400 ↓ 9%
$1,890/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,342/mo ↑ 24%
458,491
Population
275,030

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Chula Vista, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 178 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $319/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $3,828/year.

Median household income is $21,204/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $697,400 in Chula Vista.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Chula Vista — common questions

Is Long Beach or Chula Vista cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Long Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Chula Vista?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Chula Vista it's $2,122/month — a difference of $319/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Chula Vista?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $105,173 in Chula Vista. Median household income is $21,204/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 Long Beach or Chula Vista?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with rent of $2,122/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Chula Vista details →

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