2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Vista, CA vs Ellensburg, WA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Ellensburg or is it cheaper to live in Vista?
- Ellensburg is 31.2% less expensive than Vista.

Which city has more affordable housing, Ellensburg or Vista?
- Ellensburg housing costs are 40.8% less expensive than Vista housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Vista or is Health Care more affordable in Ellensburg.
- Health related expenses are 3.1% less in Ellensburg.
 Vista, CAEllensburg, WAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock106.5100
 Food & Groceries108.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock86.2100
 Housing236.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$437,000$338,100
 Utilities102  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock72.1100
 Miscellaneous153.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Vista

Reviews for Ellensburg    2 Reviews

Over 8 years ago

Q: where r the best places in the Ellensburg area that r protected from wind? Otherwise, is s good  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

This is a great town to live and raise a family. The central location is wonderful, close enough to take a day trip to Seattle. There's skiing close by, rivers to go  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Ellensburg


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.