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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Chula Vista is 96% more expensive than College Station.

$2,122/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 45%
$105,173/yr ↑ 103%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 51%
$697,400 ↑ 114%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 53%
$2,342/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 47%
275,030
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $954/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $11,448/year.

Median household income is $53,397/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs College Station — common questions

Is Chula Vista or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and College Station?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $954/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or College Station?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $53,397/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chula Vista and College Station

Chula Vista vs. Madison Chula Vista vs. Gilbert Chula Vista vs. Buffalo Chula Vista vs. North Las Vegas Chula Vista vs. Chandler Chula Vista vs. Reno College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette