Cost of Living: Chula Vista, CA vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Chula Vista is 29% cheaper than Bellevue.

$2,122/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 18%
$105,173/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 53%
$697,400 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 73%
$2,342/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 10%
275,030
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $383/month cheaper in Chula Vista, saving renters about $4,596/year.

Median household income is $56,127/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chula Vista is cheaper to live in with an index of 178 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Bellevue?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $383/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Bellevue?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $56,127/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Chula Vista or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

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