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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Chula Vista is 12% cheaper than Arlington.

$2,122/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 7%
$105,173/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 33%
$697,400 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 24%
$2,342/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 3%
275,030
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Chula Vista, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $34,987/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Arlington — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chula Vista is cheaper to live in with an index of 178 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Arlington?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Arlington?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $34,987/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chula Vista or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Arlington details →

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