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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Chula Vista is 41% more expensive than Surprise.

$2,122/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 10%
$105,173/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 11%
$697,400 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 43%
$2,342/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 32%
275,030
Population
149,519

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $205/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $2,460/year.

Median household income is $11,802/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Surprise — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Surprise?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $205/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Surprise?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $11,802/year higher in Chula Vista.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chula Vista and Surprise

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 Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite