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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Chula Vista is 134% more expensive than Pasadena.

$2,122/mo ↑ 77%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 43%
$105,173/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 39%
$697,400 ↑ 260%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 72%
$2,342/mo ↑ 105%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 51%
275,030
Population
149,345

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $921/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $11,052/year.

Median household income is $40,903/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Pasadena?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $921/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Pasadena?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $40,903/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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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