2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Vista, CA vs Flagstaff, AZ

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Flagstaff or is it cheaper to live in Vista?
- Flagstaff is 25.0% less expensive than Vista.

Which city has more affordable housing, Flagstaff or Vista?
- Flagstaff housing costs are 27.6% less expensive than Vista housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Vista or is Health Care more affordable in Flagstaff.
- Health related expenses are 28.8% more in Flagstaff.
 Vista, CAFlagstaff, AZUnited States
 Overall  Unlock116.2100
 Food & Groceries108.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock114.6100
 Housing236.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$565,400$338,100
 Utilities102  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock78.4100
 Miscellaneous153.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Vista    21 Reviews

Over 5 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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Reviews for Flagstaff    50 Reviews

Amber · 

Flagstaff is absolutely the perfect place to call home. Especially for families. 4 perfectly balanced seasons. None too extreme and all beautiful. Ridiculously safe!  More

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Leah · 

I've lived here for one year and have to move because the cost to rent here is astronomical. I've been paying $2550/month and now for a comparable home it is $2900 and  More

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Every place depends on what you are looking for. So I will say a bit about me so you can assess where the review is coming from. I am a professional, single, female  More

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