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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Chula Vista is 28% more expensive than The Woodlands.

$2,122/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 16%
$105,173/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 34%
$697,400 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 31%
$2,342/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↓ 14%
275,030
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in The Woodlands, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $36,180/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Chula Vista or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, The Woodlands is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $36,180/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

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