Cost of Living: Chula Vista, CA vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Chula Vista is 8% more expensive than Scottsdale.

$2,122/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↓ 10%
$105,173/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 2%
$697,400 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 2%
$2,342/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↓ 22%
275,030
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $212/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $2,544/year.

Median household income is $2,199/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $212/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $2,199/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Chula Vista or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chula Vista and Scottsdale

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