Chino Hills, CA vs. Murrieta, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Chino Hills vs Murrieta. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Chino Hills vs Murrieta in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Chino Hills and Murrieta compare for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Chino Hills | Murrieta |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,400 | $2,100 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $950,000 | $750,000 |
🏆 Winner: Murrieta. Housing costs about 15-20% less in Murrieta compared to Chino Hills for both renting and buying.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200-250 per month for a typical apartment in either location. Chino Hills has slightly higher water rates, while Murrieta’s electricity costs a bit more per kWh.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable between Chino Hills and Murrieta.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are about 5% lower in Murrieta compared to Chino Hills. A gallon of milk averages $4.50 in Murrieta vs $4.75 in Chino Hills. Restaurant prices are nearly identical.
🏆 Winner: Murrieta, but only slightly. Expect to save $50-100 per month on groceries in Murrieta vs Chino Hills.
4. Taxes and Fees
California state income and sales taxes apply equally to both cities. However, property taxes are higher in Chino Hills, averaging 1.2% vs 1.1% in Murrieta. Chino Hills also has more Mello-Roos taxes and HOA fees that often include landscaping and trash.
🏆 Winner: Murrieta. Lower property taxes and fewer extra fees make Murrieta more affordable.
5. Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Chino Hills | Murrieta |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 15-20% higher | Lower |
| Utilities | Similar | Similar |
| Groceries | Slightly higher | 5% lower |
| Taxes | Higher property tax | Lower property tax |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,500 for a family of 4 | $4,800 for a family of 4 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Murrieta is more affordable, Chino Hills offers a shorter commute to LA and Orange County. Chino Hills is also more walkable, with a quaint downtown area. Murrieta has more spacious, affordable homes but requires driving most places.
Chino Hills has a higher Asian population (over 30%), while Murrieta is more predominantly White and Latino.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Chino Hills more affordable than Murrieta?
No, Murrieta has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing. See our full Cost of Living in Chino Hills guide for more details.
- Which city has lower rent?
Rent prices are about 15% lower in Murrieta. The median 2BR apartment rents for $2,100 in Murrieta vs $2,400 in Chino Hills.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Murrieta home prices are roughly 20% lower than Chino Hills. A typical 3BR house costs $750K in Murrieta compared to $950K in Chino Hills.
8. Conclusion
Murrieta offers a lower cost of living for most households, with more affordable housing, lower taxes, and slightly cheaper groceries. However, Chino Hills provides a more convenient location for LA commuters and a walkable downtown.
Ultimately, the best fit depends on your budget, space needs, and lifestyle priorities. Be sure to compare your personalized monthly budget in each city before deciding.