Lemon Grove, CA vs. Chula Vista, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city gives you more for your money – Lemon Grove or Chula Vista? This article provides a cost of living comparison between these two San Diego suburbs. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of living in Lemon Grove vs Chula Vista in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage prices compare in Lemon Grove and Chula Vista:
| Housing Type | Lemon Grove | Chula Vista |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $2,100 | $2,400 |
| 3BR Home (Median Price) | $650,000 | $720,000 |
🏆 Winner: Lemon Grove. Housing costs an estimated 10-15% less in Lemon Grove compared to Chula Vista.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200-250 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash service for a 2BR apartment. Costs may be slightly higher in summer due to air conditioning usage.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No major difference in utility costs.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices and everyday items like gas tend to be comparable between Lemon Grove and Chula Vista. Budget around $400-500 per month for groceries for a couple. Eating out at mid-range restaurants averages $15-20 per person.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Similar grocery and daily living costs.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both cities have a sales tax rate of 7.75%. Property tax rates are also very close – around 1.1% of assessed value annually. Chula Vista has slightly higher water and sewer fees.
🏆 Winner: Lemon Grove, but only by a small margin. Taxes and city fees are nearly identical.
5. Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Lemon Grove | Chula Vista |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $2,100 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $225 | $225 |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 |
| Transportation | $100 | $80 |
| Misc | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,275 | $3,555 |
Note: The above are gross pre-tax monthly income estimates. See our Sample Monthly Budgets for Lemon Grove in 2025 for more details.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Lemon Grove offers a quieter, small-town feel with more space for the money. Chula Vista provides more urban amenities and slightly better walkability. Commute times are similar to central San Diego.
Lemon Grove is 3-5°F warmer on average than Chula Vista due to being further inland.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lemon Grove more affordable than Chula Vista?
A: Yes, Lemon Grove has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing. See our full Cost of Living in Lemon Grove overview.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Lemon Grove has lower rent prices. A 2BR apartment averages $2,100/month compared to $2,400/month in Chula Vista.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Lemon Grove. The median price for a 3BR home is around $650,000 in Lemon Grove vs $720,000 in Chula Vista as of 2025.
8. Conclusion
In summary, Lemon Grove offers a lower cost of living than Chula Vista, especially for housing. Lemon Grove may be a better fit for those prioritizing affordability and more space. Chula Vista works well for people who prefer a larger city feel and don’t mind paying a bit more.
Ultimately, both cities provide a relatively affordable suburban lifestyle in the San Diego metro area. Consider your budget, housing needs, and personal preferences to decide which one is right for you.