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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Chula Vista is 230% more expensive than Brownsville.

$2,122/mo ↑ 134%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 57%
$105,173/yr ↑ 116%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 54%
$697,400 ↑ 470%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 82%
$2,342/mo ↑ 182%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 65%
275,030
Population
188,023

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
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,216/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $14,592/year.

Median household income is $56,498/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Brownsville?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $1,216/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Brownsville?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $56,498/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 Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with rent of $906/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Brownsville details →

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