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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Chula Vista is 23% more expensive than Kent.

$2,122/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 14%
$105,173/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 14%
$697,400 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 23%
$2,342/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 18%
275,030
Population
135,015

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $14,757/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Kent — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Kent?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Kent?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $14,757/year higher in Chula Vista.
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 Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Kent details →

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