Anaheim, CA vs Chula Vista, CA

Anaheim, CA and Chula Vista, CA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.9% difference in their overall index. Anaheim scores 167 while Chula Vista scores 160 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month compared to $2,122/month in Chula Vista — a 2% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Anaheim has cheaper rent, Chula Vista actually has lower median home values ($697,400 vs $771,700).

Median household income in Anaheim is $90,583 compared to $105,173 in Chula Vista (-13.9%). Chula Vista offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Anaheim spend roughly 27.6% of their income on rent, more than the 24.2% in Chula Vista.