Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Chula Vista, CA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Chula Vista

California
178

Arlington is 47% cheaper than Chula Vista.

$1,389/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,122/mo ↑ 53%
$73,519/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$105,173/yr ↑ 43%
$276,400 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$697,400 ↑ 152%
$1,420/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,342/mo ↑ 65%
394,769
Population
275,030

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Chula Vista, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 178 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $733/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $8,796/year.

Median household income is $31,654/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $697,400 in Chula Vista.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Chula Vista — common questions

Is Arlington or Chula Vista cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Chula Vista?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Chula Vista it's $2,122/month — a difference of $733/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Chula Vista?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $105,173 in Chula Vista. Median household income is $31,654/year higher in Chula Vista.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Chula Vista?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with rent of $2,122/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Chula Vista details →

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