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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Chula Vista

California
178

Austin is 25% cheaper than Chula Vista.

$1,655/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,122/mo ↑ 28%
$91,461/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$105,173/yr ↑ 15%
$512,700 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$697,400 ↑ 36%
$1,747/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,342/mo ↑ 34%
967,862
Population
275,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Chula Vista, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 178 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $467/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $5,604/year.

Median household income is $13,712/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $697,400 in Chula Vista.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Chula Vista — common questions

Is Austin or Chula Vista cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Chula Vista?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Chula Vista it's $2,122/month — a difference of $467/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Chula Vista?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $105,173 in Chula Vista. Median household income is $13,712/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 Austin or Chula Vista?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Chula Vista details →

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