Chula Vista, California has an overall cost of living index of 114.6, which is 14.6 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $2,122 per month, while the typical home is valued around $697,400. Households earn a median of $105,173 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 88. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$105,173
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$2,122
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$697,400
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
114.6
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$2,288
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$2,459
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$3,001
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$3,998
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
114.6
Goods
108.0
Rents / Housing
183.9
Services
166.2
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
13.30%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
7.25%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $152,270 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $133,790 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $91,760 |
| ⚡Electrician | $77,410 |
| 📊Accountant | $98,740 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
275,030
Latest estimate
Median Age
37 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
88.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Chula Vista?
Chula Vista has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 114.6. The US national average is 100, so Chula Vista is 14.6 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Chula Vista?
The median gross rent in Chula Vista is $2,122 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Chula Vista?
The median household income in Chula Vista is $105,173 per year.
What is the median home value in Chula Vista?
The median home value in Chula Vista is $697,400 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Chula Vista?
Chula Vista has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 88.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Chula Vista?
California has a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a statewide sales tax of 7.25% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology