El Cajon, CA vs. Chula Vista, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison between El Cajon and Chula Vista, two San Diego suburbs in California. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of El Cajon vs Chula Vista in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how El Cajon and Chula Vista stack up:
| Housing Type | El Cajon | Chula Vista |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,450 | $2,700 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $725,000 | $850,000 |
🏆 Winner: El Cajon. Renting a 2BR apartment costs about $250 less per month, while buying a 3BR home is around $125,000 cheaper in El Cajon compared to Chula Vista.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two cities, with El Cajon averaging about $180 per month for a 2BR apartment versus $195 in Chula Vista. Both cities have warm summers that drive up air conditioning usage. Chula Vista residents can take advantage of SDG&E’s time-of-use plans to save by shifting usage to off-peak hours.
🏆 Winner: El Cajon, but only by a small margin of about $15 per month on average.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are comparable in El Cajon and Chula Vista, with both cities featuring major chains like Vons, Ralphs, and Walmart Neighborhood Market. Eating out is also similarly priced, though Chula Vista has a few more upscale dining options that can drive up costs for frequent restaurant-goers.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Expect to budget around $400-500 per month for groceries for a family of two adults in either city.
Taxes and Fees
El Cajon has slightly lower property taxes than Chula Vista, with an average effective rate of 0.81% vs. 0.88%. For a $700K home, that’s a difference of about $500 per year. Both cities charge 7.75% sales tax. Chula Vista has more master-planned communities with Mello-Roos taxes and HOA fees that can add hundreds per month.
🏆 Winner: El Cajon, especially for homeowners who can save on property taxes and avoid added Mello-Roos fees common in Chula Vista.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | El Cajon | Chula Vista |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $2,450 | $2,700 |
| Utilities | $180 | $195 |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 |
| Transportation | $75 | $60 |
| Taxes | 0.81% | 0.88% |
| Misc | $200 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,355 | $3,655 |
Lifestyle Fit
El Cajon offers a quieter, more suburban feel with larger lots and more space between neighbors. Chula Vista is denser and more walkable, with better access to public transit. Chula Vista averages about 5°F cooler than El Cajon during summer thanks to coastal breezes. Both have reasonable commutes to San Diego job centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Cajon more affordable than Chula Vista?
Yes, El Cajon has lower housing costs and property taxes that make it more affordable overall, by about $300 per month for a typical family.
Which city has lower rent?
El Cajon has lower rent on average, with a 2BR apartment costing around $2,450 per month vs. $2,700 in Chula Vista.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
El Cajon has lower home prices, with a typical 3BR house costing about $725,000 compared to $850,000 in Chula Vista. Property taxes are also slightly lower in El Cajon.
Conclusion
While both El Cajon and Chula Vista offer a high quality of life, El Cajon comes out ahead on affordability. Rents and home prices are notably lower, while expenses like utilities and groceries are comparable. Budget-conscious families and first-time homebuyers will likely get more for their money in El Cajon. However, Chula Vista may appeal more to those who prioritize walkability and cooler temperatures.
To dive deeper, check out these sample monthly budgets for El Cajon in 2025 and read our full cost of living guide for El Cajon.