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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Chula Vista is 29% more expensive than McKinney.

$2,122/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↓ 13%
$105,173/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 14%
$697,400 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$439,500 ↓ 37%
$2,342/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↓ 10%
275,030
Population
202,314

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
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $281/month cheaper in McKinney, saving renters about $3,372/year.

Median household income is $15,100/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs McKinney — common questions

Is Chula Vista or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McKinney is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and McKinney?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $281/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or McKinney?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $15,100/year higher in McKinney.
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 McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while McKinney has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,841/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View McKinney details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chula Vista and McKinney

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 McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo