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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Chula Vista is 170% more expensive than McAllen.

$2,122/mo ↑ 109%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 52%
$105,173/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 43%
$697,400 ↑ 301%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 75%
$2,342/mo ↑ 135%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 57%
275,030
Population
143,789

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,105/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $13,260/year.

Median household income is $45,008/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs McAllen — common questions

Is Chula Vista or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and McAllen?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $1,105/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or McAllen?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $45,008/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 McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View McAllen details →

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