2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA vs Vista, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Vista or is it cheaper to live in Rancho Santa Margarita?
- Vista is 6.1% less expensive than Rancho Santa Margarita.

Which city has more affordable housing, Vista or Rancho Santa Margarita?
- Vista housing costs are 10.7% less expensive than Rancho Santa Margarita housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Rancho Santa Margarita or is Health Care more affordable in Vista.
- Health related expenses are 4.7% less in Vista.
 Rancho Santa Margarita, CAVista, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries103.6  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing265.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$796,900$338,100
 Utilities111  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock120.9100
 Miscellaneous155.8  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Rancho Santa Margarita    13 Reviews

This page provides little information on RSM. I see they keep describing the area as "outside of Los Angeles." Culturally, it is so far from Los Angeles (I lived in LA,  More

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Over 10 years ago

The weather here is amazing. We get a few hot days in the summer but it cools down in the evening. I love being able to sleep with the windows  More

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This is the best place to live in South Orange County with mild temperatures, low crime, great schools and family orientated. RSM is a city that sits in a pocket backing  More

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Reviews for Vista    21 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

I bought a house in Vista, CA, and lived there since 2013-2017. My kids and I loved that area (Shadow Ridge). People are friendly, down-to-earth, not snobby. I would  More

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I've lived here 3 years and it has an unbeatable climate. Close to everything you could want. A renovated downtown and access to mass transit. Very nice place, friendly  More

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Truly a hidden gem - I was nervous after first moving since it seemed far from San Diego, but my concerns have been fully alleviated in just a couple months of time in  More

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