Chula Vista, CA vs San Marcos, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Chula Vista has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Chula Vista | San Marcos | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 160 | 172 | Chula Vista |
| Housing | 200 ($1,485) | 228 ($1,534) | Chula Vista |
| Transportation | 110 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | San Marcos |
| Food & groceries | 141 ($578) | 141 ($578) | Tie |
| Utilities | 150 ($360) | 164 ($410) | Chula Vista |
| Healthcare | 150 ($260) | 164 ($296) | Chula Vista |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chula Vista, CA or San Marcos, CA cheaper to live in?
Chula Vista, CA is cheaper overall by about 12 index points (Chula Vista, CA: 160, San Marcos, CA: 172; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Chula Vista, CA vs San Marcos, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $56,000/year in Chula Vista, CA and $60,200/year in San Marcos, CA to cover basic living costs.