Overview
When considering Long Beach CA and Chula Vista CA, it's evident that each city has its unique advantages and vantage points that cater to distinct demographics. Whether you're a thriving professional, tourist, or a family looking to relocate, both cities offer you a variety of experiences, from exciting cultural scenes and robust economies to diverse neighborhoods and unique geographical features.
Distance between
Long Beach, CA and
Chula Vista, CA : 103.5 miles
Long Beach's population is larger by 65%. Its population has decreased by 5,460 people (1.2%) since 2000. The population of Chula Vista has grown by 103,664 people (59.7%) during that time.
Long Beach has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, and compared to Chula Vista. This is not to say that the city is unsafe, but residents and tourists should exercise caution and stay vigilant. On the other hand, Chula Vista is relatively safe, with crime rates significantly below the national average, making it ideal for families and tourists who prioritize safety.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 834 registered sex offenders living in Long Beach and 217 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Long Beach is 564 to 1; the ratio in Chula Vista is 1,231 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Long Beach than in Chula Vista.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Long Beach is generally higher than in Chula Vista; however, both cities are higher than the national average due to California's high cost of living. Expenses in Long Beach, particularly housing costs, are notably high. On the contrary, Chula Vista offers a slightly cheaper cost of living, making it more affordable for families and individuals seeking to relocate or visit.
Income Tax
California has a progressive income tax which applies in both cities. The rates range from 1% to 13.3% based on income. No matter whether you live in Long Beach or Chula Vista, the state income tax will be the same depending on your income level.
Property Tax
Property taxes in California are generally high, but these charges are especially hefty in Long Beach and Chula Vista. Here, property owners are subject to tax rates higher than the national average.
Sales Tax
Both Long Beach and Chula Vista have relatively high sales tax rates due to California state tax. Long Beach has a sales tax of 8.75%, while Chula Vista's is slightly higher at 8.75%. These higher rates might impact your day-to-day expenses and overall cost of living in these cities.
Income
Type
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Estimated median household income
$73,905
$91,949
Estimated per capita income
$37,217
$35,138
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
142
123.4
If you make $50,000 in Chula Vista, you will have to make $57,536 in Long Beach to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Long Beach, nestled along the Pacific Ocean, boasts numerous beaches, a marina, and a bustling port. In contrast, Chula Vista's landscape is varied, with coastal areas, rolling hills, canyons, and mountains offering outdoor enthusiasts a unique variety of experiences.
Both cities boast a good education system. Long Beach, with its award-winning unified school district, offers top-tier education facilities and services. Similarly, Chula Vista has commendable schools with the city predominantly served by the Chula Vista Elementary School District and Sweetwater Union High School District. Both cities offer great educational opportunities, although specific schools will vary in quality.
Long Beach has a robust and diversified economy, featuring sectors like healthcare, education, and professional services. In contrast, Chula Vista’s economy leans heavily on education, healthcare, and public administration. Both cities offer significant job opportunities, but specific industries might appeal more depending on individual career paths and professional interests.
Biggest Employers
In Long Beach, some of the biggest employers include Long Beach Unified School District, City of Long Beach, Boeing, and Verizon. In Chula Vista, the largest employers are the Sweetwater Union High School District, Chula Vista Elementary School District, and Southwestern College. When choosing between the two cities, it will be beneficial to consider which big employers align best with your career path.
There were 304 building permits issued in Long Beach in 2012 (238 more than in 2011) compared to 291 building permits issued in Chula Vista in 2012 (137 less than in 2011).
In Long Beach (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Chula Vista (San Diego County), 52.6% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Long Beach
Chula Vista
2020
71.0%
60.3%
26.9%
37.5%
2.1%
2.1%
2016
72.0%
56.3%
22.5%
36.6%
5.5%
7.1%
2012
69.7%
52.6%
27.8%
45.0%
2.4%
2.4%
2008
69.2%
54.2%
28.8%
44.0%
1.9%
1.8%
2004
63.3%
46.7%
35.7%
52.9%
1.0%
0.4%
2000
63.6%
45.8%
32.4%
49.8%
4.0%
4.5%
1996
59.3%
44.1%
31.0%
45.6%
9.7%
10.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Long Beach
Chula Vista
CATHOLIC CHURCH
36.1%
25.9%
4.7%
6.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.0%
1.1%
9.0%
12.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.7%
1.0%
1.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.5%
0.1%
3.1%
1.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.5%
2.4%
2.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.4%
2.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.4%
1.9%
2.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.6%
2.2%
Weather
Both Long Beach and Chula Vista enjoy the pleasant Southern California climate, known for its year-round sunshine and mild temperatures. Long Beach, being closer to the ocean, experiences slightly cooler temperatures, especially during the summer. Chula Vista, with its more inland position, tends to have a warmer climate, particularly in the summer, but it's still relatively moderate compared to other inland Southern California cities.
Weather and climate
Type
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Temperature - Average
65.3°F
63.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
70.4%
74%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
27%
22%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
79%
80%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
58%
Precipitation - Yearly average
13.1 in
10.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.4%
24.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
74.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
19%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
85%
75%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
63%
56%
Wind speed - Average
6.1 mph
6.9 mph
Average climate in Long Beach, California
Average climate in Chula Vista, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Long Beach
Chula Vista
2018
124
101
0.37
0.36
17.2
8.6
22.1
29.4
0.008
0.010
27.5
N/A
13.5
11.5
0.7
0.1
2017
122
115
0.36
0.39
18.1
9.1
23.2
28.8
0.007
0.010
26.7
N/A
14.5
11.5
0.8
0.1
2016
115
105
0.36
0.34
18.5
9.1
21.9
28.6
0.007
0.010
24.1
N/A
11.6
12.0
0.9
0.1
2015
111
105
0.38
0.34
19.9
10.0
22.5
28.5
0.005
0.015
25.0
N/A
13.9
12.0
0.9
0.1
2014
127
99
0.50
0.42
20.3
10.6
22.0
26.3
0.007
0.012
26.7
N/A
14.3
10.8
1.3
0.1
2013
126
128
0.48
0.61
20.0
10.8
24.7
28.7
0.005
0.013
32.3
N/A
14.6
12.2
1.0
0.3
2012
132
107
0.48
0.54
19.3
11.1
24.4
31.2
0.004
0.013
30.8
N/A
14.1
13.6
0.6
0.2
2011
119
108
0.43
0.57
20.2
12.3
23.4
27.1
0.006
0.023
28.4
N/A
15.6
14.0
1.2
2.1
2010
115
91
0.38
0.56
20.8
12.2
22.7
33.6
0.011
0.017
24.1
N/A
11.9
N/A
0.7
1.4
2009
132
109
0.50
0.55
21.0
13.4
22.0
33.3
0.008
0.014
27.7
N/A
13.1
N/A
1.1
2.0
2008
124
401
0.53
0.60
20.8
14.8
23.2
32.7
0.008
N/A
27.2
207.2
21.6
N/A
1.0
2.3
2007
109
160
0.60
0.66
20.3
15.0
21.1
34.2
0.010
0.012
N/A
64.3
N/A
N/A
1.4
2.6
2006
119
130
0.76
0.61
21.4
16.9
19.9
32.4
0.005
0.056
N/A
64.0
N/A
N/A
1.7
3.3
2005
108
126
0.74
0.68
24.3
16.3
20.5
32.2
0.011
0.049
N/A
72.6
N/A
N/A
2.7
3.1
2004
125
116
0.56
0.72
28.0
16.0
22.9
30.6
0.012
0.055
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
3.1
2003
130
128
0.83
0.71
28.1
17.7
22.4
23.1
0.032
0.048
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
3.6
2002
120
125
0.90
0.74
29.6
17.7
22.2
30.7
0.011
0.015
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
3.7
2001
124
129
0.81
0.81
30.3
16.9
21.5
30.8
0.011
0.029
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
3.3
2000
142
132
0.71
0.84
31.5
16.9
19.6
28.4
0.018
0.045
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
2.7
Natural disasters
Type
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
6,875.1%
5,616.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
57%
39%
Transportation
Long Beach offers an array of public transit options, including a well-established bus system and light rail for effortless commuting. Chula Vista also provides public transportation, although the service might be less extensive compared to Long Beach. Both cities have traffic issues typical of Southern California cities, but Long Beach's more compact layout can generally make getting around easier.
Transport
Type
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
312
59
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Bicycle
0.5%
0.2%
Bus
3.3%
2.6%
Carpooled
9.8%
10%
Car alone
81.8%
79.6%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.3%
Railroad
0%
0.4%
Streetcar
0.1%
0.2%
Subway
0.5%
0%
Walked
2.8%
3.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Average
30.7 min
23 min
Other means
28.5 min
26.2 min
Public transportation
46.4 min
46.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
89.7%
88.5%
In 2 person carpool
8.5%
8.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.3%
0.9%
In 5-6 person carpool
0%
0.3%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate markets of both cities are thriving but can be challenging for potential buyers due to high demand and prices. Long Beach, with its convenient location and mixture of urban and suburban features, has a rather competitive market. Chula Vista is also a competitive market, with its rapidly growing population and development driving up demand and prices.
Neighborhoods
Both cities are known for their diverse and family-friendly neighborhoods. Long Beach offers a variety of neighborhoods with a mix of urban and suburban environments, offering a vibrant city life blended with seaside charm. Chula Vista, known for being family-friendly, offers clean, safe, and suburban neighborhoods perfect for raising a family.
Houses and residents
Type
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Houses
179,856
88,821
Average household size (people)
2.8
3.2
Median year apartment built
1964
1982
Median year house/condo built
1954
1990
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.7 years
13.2 years
Houses occupied
172,599 (96%)
83,451 (94%)
Houses occupied by owners
69,470 (40.2%)
48,589 (58.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
103,129 (59.8%)
34,862 (41.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,057
$1,736
Median monthly housing costs
$1,692
$2,012
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$520,992
$648,184
Estimated median house or condo value
$693,600
$655,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.2
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
3.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.5
6
Median house price - detached houses
$900,658
$656,786
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$823,515
$397,704
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$495,928
$379,885
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$488,399
$375,564
Median house price - mobile homes
$333,777
$80,419
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$634,684
$474,754
Median house price - All housing units
$805,766
$579,650
Median house age
62
36
Renting percentage
58.4%
41.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
3,565.7
1,817.2
House value disparities
21.3%
19.7%
Household income disparities
44.7%
41.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$116,421
$133,618
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$79,392
$73,475
Housing units without a mortgage
394 (0.8%)
303 (0.9%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,069 (6.2%)
2,201 (6.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
49,321 (99.2%)
33,694 (99.1%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
48 (0.1%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
3,709 (7.5%)
2,899 (8.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
15
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.6%
1.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.4%
0.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Long Beach
Chula Vista
One, detached
40.2%
53.2%
One, attached
4.9%
13.4%
Two
5.3%
1.3%
3 or 4
8.8%
4.9%
5 to 9
10.4%
3.8%
10 to 19
10.8%
5.7%
20 to 49
8.0%
5.0%
50 or more
10.6%
8.3%
Mobile homes
0.8%
4.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
18,532
9,347
State government workers
6,550
7,115
Unpaid family workers
178
174
Industries and Occupations
For work opportunities, the healthcare industry is prominent in both cities. In Long Beach, there's a dominance of healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and education services. On the other hand, Chula Vista residents often work in administrative and support services, retail trade, and healthcare. Both these cities provide robust job markets but Long Beach offers more diversity in available industries.
Both Long Beach and Chula Vista have several reputable healthcare facilities providing excellent care. Long Beach's notable healthcare centers include Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and St. Mary Medical Center. Chula Vista residents can rely on hospitals like Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista and Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Long Beach
Chula Vista
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Long Beach is a bustling city with extensive infrastructure, from a thriving downtown area to the second busiest container port in the U.S. Chula Vista, as one of the fastest-growing cities in California, has been investing heavily in infrastructure growth, from new schools to expanded public services. Both cities have their appeal depending on whether you prefer a more established urban environment or a rapidly developing one.
Infrastructure
Type
Long Beach
Chula Vista
Hospitals
17
3
TV stations
5
12
Bank branches located here
67
41
Bank institutions located here
18
15
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Long Beach
Chula Vista
1999
1,159
603
2000
710
217
2001
677
191
2002
708
242
2003
1,861
1,205
2004
2,162
2,345
2005
3,065
2,433
2006
3,591
1,869
2007
2,287
1,389
2008
887
749
2009
475
300
Culture and Food
In terms of culture and food, both cities offer a diverse and vibrant scene. Long Beach is known for its diverse cultural history and food scene, with cuisines representing a mix of cultures. Chula Vista, with a large Hispanic population, offers a wide array of delicious Mexican cuisines and a vibrant cultural scene.
Sports Teams
While Long Beach doesn't host any major professional sports teams, its proximity to Los Angeles allows residents and tourists to enjoy teams such as the Lakers, Dodgers, Kings, and more. Chula Vista, closer to San Diego, provides access to teams like the San Diego Chargers and the San Diego Padres.
Long Beach, CA
Chula Vista, CA
