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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Chula Vista is 151% more expensive than Abilene.

$2,122/mo ↑ 92%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 48%
$105,173/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 40%
$697,400 ↑ 290%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 74%
$2,342/mo ↑ 110%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 52%
275,030
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,016/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $12,192/year.

Median household income is $42,453/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Abilene — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Abilene?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $1,016/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Abilene?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $42,453/year higher in Chula Vista.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chula Vista or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chula Vista and Abilene

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