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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,034 (excluding rent), and $3,060 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,362 (excluding rent), and $5,887 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$17.79 $17.79

$11.86 $11.86

$29.65 $29.65

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$69.6 $69.6

$49.74 $49.74

$89.5 $89.5

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$14.21 $14.21

$12.18 $12.18

$20.3 $20.3

Cappuccino

$5.13 $5.13

$3.54 $3.54

$7.87 $7.87

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

$2.51 $2.51

$2 $2

$4.02 $4.02

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.54 $1.54

$2.56 $2.56

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.1 $7.1

$5.87 $5.87

$9.79 $9.79

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.06 $8.06

$6.05 $6.05

$12.1 $12.1

Milk (1 liter)

$0.94 $0.94

$0.86 $0.86

$1.3 $1.3

White Bread (500g)

$3.8 $3.8

$3.05 $3.05

$5.44 $5.44

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.56 $4.56

$3.23 $3.23

$6.44 $6.44

Eggs

$3.72 $3.72

$1.98 $1.98

$5.7 $5.7

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.8 $8.8

$5.5 $5.5

$21.99 $21.99

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.26 $9.26

$6.4 $6.4

$20.33 $20.33

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.72 $15.72

$10.11 $10.11

$18.18 $18.18

Apples (1kg)

$4.5 $4.5

$3.29 $3.29

$6.08 $6.08

Banana (1kg)

$1.28 $1.28

$0.85 $0.85

$2.61 $2.61

Oranges (1kg)

$5.14 $5.14

$2.81 $2.81

$8.74 $8.74

Tomato (1kg)

$2.22 $2.22

$8.98 $8.98

Potato (1kg)

$3.21 $3.21

$1.52 $1.52

$5.49 $5.49

Onion (1kg)

$2.85 $2.85

$1.71 $1.71

$4.33 $4.33

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.71 $1.71

$1 $1

$3.03 $3.03

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.08 $2.08

$1.46 $1.46

$3 $3

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.23 $9.23

$6.8 $6.8

$12.19 $12.19

Wine (Bottle)

$13.53 $13.53

$8.02 $8.02

$16.03 $16.03

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.93 $1.93

$1.7 $1.7

$3.51 $3.51

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.46 $3.46

$1.73 $1.73

$5.93 $5.93

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.45 $2.45

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$6.69 $6.69

$6.32 $6.32

$7.08 $7.08

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.64 $1.64

$3.63 $3.63

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.29 $29.29

$26.49 $26.49

$35.12 $35.12

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.14 $1.14

$1.07 $1.07

$1.43 $1.43

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

$25.5K $25.5K

$23.9K $23.9K

$36.7K $36.7K

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

$21.8K $21.8K

$34.7K $34.7K

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

$156 $156

$137 $137

$199 $199

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

$54.6 $54.6

$35.44 $35.44

$111 $111

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$59.5 $59.5

$50.8 $50.8

$127 $127

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.93 $43.93

$25.35 $25.35

$76 $76

Cinema Ticket

$11.96 $11.96

$11.46 $11.46

$17.94 $17.94

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

$1,510 $1,510

$1,208 $1,208

$1,812 $1,812

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.5K $23.5K

$16.9K $16.9K

$27.3K $27.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$47.33 $47.33

$24.91 $24.91

$64.8 $64.8

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$33.65 $33.65

$23.93 $23.93

$99.7 $99.7

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$103 $103

$65.4 $65.4

$151 $151

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$101 $101

$69.1 $69.1

$158 $158

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,271 $2,271

$2,019 $2,019

$2,524 $2,524

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,884 $1,884

$1,686 $1,686

$2,083 $2,083

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,357 $3,357

$3,052 $3,052

$3,560 $3,560

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$3,255 $3,255

$1,677 $1,677

$3,255 $3,255

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$5,761 $5,761

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$5,655 $5,655

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,109 $4,109

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.6

6.19

7.25

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

Last update: November 22, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Vista, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Vista offers a balanced pace of life and a value that's often better than pricier coastal hubs. You’ll find a mix of apartments, townhomes, and small houses that can fit several budgets, plus groceries and services that stay reasonable compared with big-city centers. The Cost of Living in Vista, CA, United States reflects both suburban steadiness and convenient access to beaches, trails, and coworking spaces, which helps digital nomads stay productive without sacrificing lifestyle. Neighborhoods vary: quieter residential lanes to corridors with cafes and transit access – so choice matters. Expect car reliance, yet ride apps and local buses open doorways to the center. Tip: start your housing search in shoulder seasons to compare options and lease terms.

Daily life in Vista blends practicality with outdoor-friendly options. Housing hunts go smoother when you know which areas suit your pace – walkable centers near Vista Village for quick errands or quieter streets inland for more space. Food options range from family-owned markets to diverse eateries; cooking at home helps control costs, while farmers markets offer seasonal produce. For transport, a car helps, but local buses and occasional rideshares cover short trips. Errands unfold easily with nearby services and libraries. Vista living cost varies by neighborhood and season, so plan with flexible timelines. Tip: try a multi-stop grocery run to reduce trips.

Quality of life in Vista comes from balance – accessible outdoors, community amenities, and practical budgeting. Build a simple framework: cover housing, utilities, groceries, and regular travel, then set a separate pot for leisure and unexpected costs. Choosing neighborhoods near parks, schools, and the center can cut travel time and transport costs, while coastal-adjacent areas offer more dining and social options. Seasonal events, like outdoor concerts or markets, can shift how you spend, so adjust your plan accordingly. Tip: scout several neighborhoods during weekends to feel the vibe before committing.