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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Chula Vista is 85% more expensive than Garland.

$2,122/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↓ 28%
$105,173/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 29%
$697,400 ↑ 180%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 64%
$2,342/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 38%
275,030
Population
245,298

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $597/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $7,164/year.

Median household income is $30,456/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Garland — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Garland?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $597/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Garland?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $30,456/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 Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Garland has a cost index of 96 with rent of $1,525/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Garland details →

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