Cost of Living in Chula Vista, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,280 (excluding rent), and $3,169 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,049 (excluding rent), and $6,023 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$18.14 $18.14

$15.12 $15.12

$35.27 $35.27

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$94.2 $94.2

$59.5 $59.5

$94.2 $94.2

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$15.2 $15.2

$10.08 $10.08

$18.24 $18.24

Cappuccino

$5.85 $5.85

$3.57 $3.57

$7.93 $7.93

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.99 $2.99

$1.94 $1.94

$3.98 $3.98

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.3 $2.3

$1.54 $1.54

$2.56 $2.56

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.34 $7.34

$5.01 $5.01

$8.1 $8.1

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.23 $8.23

$6.12 $6.12

$10.29 $10.29

Milk (1 liter)

$1.2 $1.2

$0.89 $0.89

$1.28 $1.28

White Bread (500g)

$4.08 $4.08

$1.6 $1.6

$5.36 $5.36

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.64 $4.64

$2.18 $2.18

$6.56 $6.56

Eggs

$5.07 $5.07

$2.92 $2.92

$7.81 $7.81

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.42 $12.42

$5.61 $5.61

$22.4 $22.4

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$12.78 $12.78

$6.64 $6.64

$19.97 $19.97

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.15 $15.15

$9.74 $9.74

$17.52 $17.52

Apples (1kg)

$4.44 $4.44

$2.18 $2.18

$6.01 $6.01

Banana (1kg)

$1.71 $1.71

$1.31 $1.31

$2.67 $2.67

Oranges (1kg)

$3.92 $3.92

$0.97 $0.97

$7.58 $7.58

Tomato (1kg)

$4.88 $4.88

$2.24 $2.24

$6.78 $6.78

Potato (1kg)

$2.98 $2.98

$1.31 $1.31

$5.46 $5.46

Onion (1kg)

$2.46 $2.46

$1.32 $1.32

$4.47 $4.47

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.02 $2.02

$0.97 $0.97

$2.94 $2.94

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.41 $2.41

$0.99 $0.99

$3.06 $3.06

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.11 $11.11

$7.07 $7.07

$12.68 $12.68

Wine (Bottle)

$14.8 $14.8

$6.91 $6.91

$21.71 $21.71

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.92 $1.92

$1.4 $1.4

$3.5 $3.5

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.28 $3.28

$1.73 $1.73

$3.45 $3.45

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.53 $2.53

$1.27 $1.27

$2.53 $2.53

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$71.3 $71.3

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.98 $2.98

$9.94 $9.94

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.63 $1.63

$3.62 $3.62

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.46 $28.46

$66.1 $66.1

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.28 $1.28

$1.16 $1.16

$1.5 $1.5

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$25.9K $25.9K

$24.3K $24.3K

$37.4K $37.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$27.1K $27.1K

$25.1K $25.1K

$30.1K $30.1K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$277 $277

$122 $122

$457 $457

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$54.4 $54.4

$30.28 $30.28

$121 $121

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$59.2 $59.2

$30.34 $30.34

$80.9 $80.9

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$20.27 $20.27

$17.73 $17.73

$50.7 $50.7

Cinema Ticket

$15.25 $15.25

$10.1 $10.1

$18.17 $18.17

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,476 $1,476

$984 $984

$1,967 $1,967

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$29.2K $29.2K

$18.3K $18.3K

$50.8K $50.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$47.99 $47.99

$25.26 $25.26

$65.7 $65.7

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$58.2 $58.2

$24.13 $24.13

$101 $101

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$101 $101

$50.4 $50.4

$131 $131

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$103 $103

$50.6 $50.6

$162 $162

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,528 $2,528

$1,213 $1,213

$2,528 $2,528

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,827 $1,827

$1,015 $1,015

$1,827 $1,827

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$4,483 $4,483

$1,993 $1,993

$4,483 $4,483

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,979 $2,979

$1,688 $1,688

$2,979 $2,979

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,831 $4,831

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.39

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Chula Vista, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Chula Vista, CA, United States tends to be more moderate than central San Diego, with a mix of housing options near the bay and inland pockets that balance price and commute. The overall value emerges when you consider longer leases, shared housing, and neighborhood choice. Food options range from casual eateries to markets that help stretch a budget, and you’ll find parks and a calmer pace compared with downtown areas. Seasonal demand from events and students can shift availability, so plan ahead if you want specific neighborhoods. Tip: build a simple month-by-month plan that lists housing, groceries, and transit so you can spot value across the year.

Daily life in Chula Vista blends sensible housing options with a friendly local scene. In housing searches, you’ll find a spectrum from newer developments in Eastlake to established units downtown, with parking and amenities varying by area. Food options include diverse Mexican staples, global casual dining, and weekly farmers markets that help stretch the budget. Transportation works best with a car, though bus routes and bikeable bayside paths add flexibility when possible. Errands unfold easily at large plazas and neighborhood centers, plus nearby groceries and coffee shops for quick stops. Chula Vista, CA, United States living cost can be managed by shopping seasonally and choosing nearby neighborhoods. Tip: set up a weeknight errands route to save time and fuel.

Quality of life in Chula Vista shines when you balance outdoor time, community amenities, and steady budgeting. Use a practical framework: allocate housing, groceries, utilities, transport, and healthcare as core buckets, then plan an emergency buffer and a small fund for leisure. Neighborhood fit matters: waterfront and hilltop areas offer different vibes and access to parks, trails, and schools. Seasonality in activities and crowd levels can shift your weekends; aim to align stays with preferred events or quieter periods. Practical moves include shopping at larger chains for staples, taking advantage of free or low-cost community events, and choosing flexible work setups when possible. Tip: keep a simple spreadsheet to compare neighborhoods over several weeks.