2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
San Mateo, CA vs Chula Vista, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Chula Vista or is it cheaper to live in San Mateo?
- Chula Vista is 38.0% less expensive than San Mateo.

Which city has more affordable housing, Chula Vista or San Mateo?
- Chula Vista housing costs are 55.7% less expensive than San Mateo housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in San Mateo or is Health Care more affordable in Chula Vista.
- Health related expenses are 24.2% less in Chula Vista.
 San Mateo, CAChula Vista, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries116.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing537.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$759,300$338,100
 Utilities92  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock127.9100
 Miscellaneous161.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for San Mateo    12 Reviews

I have lived in San Mateo since 2013. It has seen tremendous growth, lots of new restaurants which have become progressively more high-end though there is ample  More

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I'm a native of California. I have lived in the southern part of the state and the northern part of the state for most of my life. I have spent the last 29 years in  More

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Over 15 years ago

San Mateo has a diverse mix of people, a pleasant climate, a very pleasant downtown park with lots going on, and pretty much whatever you need handy. It's not far to  More

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Reviews for Chula Vista    9 Reviews

Over 14 years ago

I live in Chula Vista, California (San Diego County). I've lived here close to eight years now. A very conservative town to say the least. I would call this a military  More

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Over 14 years ago

Quality of life has seriously deteriorated over the last few years. Too crowded and too  More

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Over 15 years ago

My Husband and I enjoy living in Eastlake a subdivision of Chula Vista, Ca near San  More

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