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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Chula Vista is 100% more expensive than Mesquite.

$2,122/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 34%
$105,173/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 32%
$697,400 ↑ 208%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 68%
$2,342/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 41%
275,030
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $715/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $8,580/year.

Median household income is $33,330/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Mesquite?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $715/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Mesquite?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $33,330/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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

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