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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Chula Vista is 137% more expensive than Killeen.

$2,122/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 46%
$105,173/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 45%
$697,400 ↑ 256%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 72%
$2,342/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 50%
275,030
Population
156,144

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $975/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $11,700/year.

Median household income is $46,834/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Killeen — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Killeen?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $975/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Killeen?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $46,834/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 Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chula Vista and Killeen

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