Last updated 2026-06-15 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Expensive, with San Diego County housing the dominant cost.
Cost of living index (US avg = 100): 138
Median 2BR rent: $2,700/mo
Housing: 160 vs 100
Groceries: 108 vs 100
Utilities: 96 vs 100
Transportation: 115 vs 100
Healthcare: 104 vs 100
Chula Vista offers South Bay suburbia near the border and the coast, with rent slightly below San Diego proper. Housing is the main affordability hurdle, while the mild climate keeps utilities low.