Chula Vista, CA vs Vacaville, CA

Chula Vista, CA and Vacaville, CA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.6% difference in their overall index. Chula Vista scores 160 while Vacaville scores 155 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 Chula Vista is $2,122/month compared to $2,227/month in Vacaville — a 5% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Chula Vista has cheaper rent, Vacaville actually has lower median home values ($596,700 vs $697,400).

Median household income in Chula Vista is $105,173 compared to $108,580 in Vacaville (-3.1%). Vacaville offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Chula Vista spend roughly 24.2% of their income on rent, less than the 24.6% in Vacaville.