CaliforniaPop. 276,375Big cities
Is Chula Vista a Good Place to Live? Chula Vista, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Chula Vista ranks #718 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #24 of 53 big cities and #85 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($108,032, #5 of 53) and low poverty (8.7%, #5 of 53), and trails on high rents ($2,229/mo, #52 of 53) and expensive homes ($758,700, #48 of 53).
Chula Vista by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Chula Vista's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Chula Vista?
Chula Vista's cost of living index is 111.9, 12% above the US level of 100 and #1148 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,229/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $849,526, 11% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Chula Vista | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 111.9#1148 of 1,308 | 110.7 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $849,526#1074 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,945/mo#1024 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $758,700#1178 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $2,229/mo#1176 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 7x#1148 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 24.8%#980 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Chula Vista housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Chula Vista is in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Chula Vista safe?
Chula Vista recorded 365 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 11% above the US rate of 328 and 16% below California's 433. That ranks #671 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #18 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Chula Vista Police Department. Property crime runs 1,062 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Chula Vista | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 365#671 of 1,085 | 433 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 1,062#247 of 1,085 | 1,792 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Chula Vista?
The median household in Chula Vista earns $108,032, 30% above the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above California ($100,149). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Chula Vista | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $108,032#260 of 1,312 | $100,149 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4.9%#804 of 1,058 | 5.5% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 8.7%#387 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 of 1,132 | -0% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Chula Vista?
The median resident of Chula Vista is 37.1 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 33.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #682 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Chula Vista | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 37.1 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 33.2%#682 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 59.8% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Chula Vista's schools and health?
Chula Vista's 62 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (California 87%), with 22.4 students per teacher and $15,480 spent per pupil. 26.6% of adults are obese and 11.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Chula Vista | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 87% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 22.4#1051 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $15,480#519 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 26.6%#205 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 11.4%#688 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 16%#410 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.4%#907 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 51,016 students are enrolled in Chula Vista's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Chula Vista?
The average commute in Chula Vista is 28.6 minutes (California 29.7); 2.2% of workers take transit and 12.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Chula Vista scores 13 of 20 (above average walkable), #325 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.3°F and winters 55.6°F, with 10.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Chula Vista | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 28.6 min#1033 of 1,312 | 29.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 8.7%#967 of 1,312 | 12.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 71.6% | 67.3% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.2% | 3.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 1.7% | 2.5% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0% | 0.8% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 12.6% | 14.1% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 13#325 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 67 | 44.4 | 1.8 |
| Feb | 66.4 | 45.2 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 67.5 | 47.3 | 1.5 |
| Apr | 69.8 | 50 | 0.8 |
| May | 71.2 | 54.4 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 74.3 | 57.9 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 78.3 | 61.5 | 0 |
| Aug | 80.6 | 63 | 0 |
| Sep | 79.8 | 60.8 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 76.7 | 55.3 | 0.4 |
| Nov | 71.8 | 48.6 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 66.7 | 43.8 | 1.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Diego Brown Fld.
| Measure | Chula Vista | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 62.6°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 69.3°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 55.6°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 10.2 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Diego Brown Fld.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Chula Vista?
San Diego County's air had a median air quality index of 67, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 33 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Diego County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Chula Vista | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 67#1035 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 33#1022 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.24%#1033 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for San Diego County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Diego County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.073% | 97% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.051% | 92% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 69% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Chula Vista compare with similar-size cities?
Chula Vista is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #24 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 276,375.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chula Vista, CAPop. 276,375 | #718 | 54.7 | $108,032 | $2,229/mo | 365 | 28.6 min |
| St. Louis, MOPop. 288,512 | #1200 | 45.0 | $56,160 | $997/mo | 1,230 | 22.1 min |
| Chandler, AZPop. 280,136 | #344 | 61.0 | $108,095 | $1,902/mo | 124 | 23.9 min |
| North Las Vegas, NVPop. 278,595 | #1042 | 49.1 | $79,542 | $1,705/mo | 362 | 26.7 min |
| Madison, WIPop. 278,001 | #161 | 65.7 | $78,050 | $1,413/mo | 214 | 19.4 min |
| Buffalo, NYPop. 276,854 | #1052 | 48.8 | $50,041 | $1,046/mo | 729 | 19.9 min |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #596 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 | 21.5 min |
| Toledo, OHPop. 267,463 | #1240 | 42.9 | $49,724 | $901/mo | 872 | 19.8 min |
| Lubbock, TXPop. 264,814 | #992 | 50.2 | $60,895 | $1,182/mo | 699 | 16.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Chula Vista compare with the rest of California?
Chula Vista ranks #85 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 54.7 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 8% above the California median. Violent crime is 16% below the statewide rate. Homes are 11% above the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Fontana, CAPop. 214,169 | … #81 | 55.5 | $102,821 | $1,839/mo | 244 |
| Covina, CAPop. 49,888 | #82 | 55.5 | $98,671 | $1,931/mo | 285 |
| Santa Barbara, CAPop. 87,779 | #83 | 55.4 | $106,182 | $2,413/mo | 634 |
| Lakewood, CAPop. 79,850 | #84 | 54.9 | $119,177 | $2,347/mo | 356 |
| Chula Vista, CAPop. 276,375 | #85 | 54.7 | $108,032 | $2,229/mo | 365 |
| Alhambra, CAPop. 81,022 | #86 | 54.7 | $88,024 | $1,939/mo | 195 |
| Upland, CAPop. 79,257 | #87 | 54.5 | $105,830 | $2,029/mo | 333 |
| Santa Monica, CAPop. 91,169 | #88 | 54.3 | $114,885 | $2,402/mo | 618 |
| Citrus Heights, CAPop. 86,995 | #89 | 54.3 | $82,314 | $1,827/mo | 380 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Chula Vista among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $100,149, violent crime 432.7 per 100,000.
How is Chula Vista's score calculated?
Chula Vista scores 54.7 out of 100, #718 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Chula Vista. Similar-size median 53.8.
61.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Chula Vista's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
76.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Chula Vista. Similar-size median 54.8.
66.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Chula Vista's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
48.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Chula Vista's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
31.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Chula Vista. Similar-size median 47.2.
71.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Chula Vista. Similar-size median 42.4.
34.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Chula Vista. Similar-size median 53.7.
44.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Chula Vista's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
63.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
12.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Chula Vista's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Chula Vista has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Chula Vista
Is Chula Vista, CA a good place to live?
Chula Vista ranks #718 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #24 of 53 big cities and #85 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($108,032, #5 of 53) and low poverty (8.7%, #5 of 53), and trails on high rents ($2,229/mo, #52 of 53) and expensive homes ($758,700, #48 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Chula Vista?
Chula Vista's cost of living index is 111.9, 12% above the US level of 100 and #1148 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,229/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $849,526, 11% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Chula Vista?
Chula Vista recorded 365 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 11% above the US rate of 328 and 16% below California's 433. That ranks #671 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #18 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Chula Vista Police Department. Property crime runs 1,062 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Chula Vista?
The median household in Chula Vista earns $108,032, 30% above the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above California ($100,149). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Chula Vista?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,229/mo (Census), #1176 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,945/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Chula Vista?
The typical home value in Chula Vista is $849,526, up 0.8% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $758,700.
How are the public schools in Chula Vista?
Chula Vista's 62 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (California 87%), with 22.4 students per teacher and $15,480 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Chula Vista?
The average commute is 28.6 minutes, #1033 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.7 minutes across California. 8.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Chula Vista?
Chula Vista averages 62.6°F over the year, 69.3°F in summer and 55.6°F in winter, with 10.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Chula Vista walkable?
Chula Vista scores 13 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #325 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Chula Vista at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Diego County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Chula Vista?
San Diego County's air had a median air quality index of 67, and 18% of measured days were rated good; 33 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Chula Vista?
Chula Vista has 276,375 residents. The median resident of Chula Vista is 37.1 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 33.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #682 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Chula Vista compare with the rest of California?
Chula Vista ranks #85 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 54.7 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 8% above the California median. Violent crime is 16% below the statewide rate. Homes are 11% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Chula Vista?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Chula Vista's population of 276,375 are St. Louis, MO (#1200 overall), Chandler, AZ (#344 overall), North Las Vegas, NV (#1042 overall), Madison, WI (#161 overall), and Buffalo, NY (#1052 overall). Chula Vista is #718.