2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Vista, CA vs Mountain View, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Mountain View or is it cheaper to live in Vista?
- Mountain View is 49.1% more expensive than Vista.

Which city has more affordable housing, Mountain View or Vista?
- Mountain View housing costs are 172.5% more expensive than Vista housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Vista or is Health Care more affordable in Mountain View.
- Health related expenses are 21.0% more in Mountain View.
 Vista, CAMountain View, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock231.0100
 Food & Groceries108.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock107.7100
 Housing236.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,773,700$338,100
 Utilities102  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock138.6100
 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 Mountain View    15 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

It’s  More

   |    Reply

I've lived here 25 years. Perfect climate. Very central for employment opportunities. Really great schools. 45 min to San Fran, 45 min to Santa Cruz beach. Shoreline  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

I was born and raised in Mountain View. I used to really like this city, and California. Unfortunately, the city (along with the state) has been over run with high  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Mountain View


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.