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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Chula Vista is 147% more expensive than Waco.

$2,122/mo ↑ 93%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 48%
$105,173/yr ↑ 104%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 51%
$697,400 ↑ 249%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 71%
$2,342/mo ↑ 114%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 53%
275,030
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,024/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $12,288/year.

Median household income is $53,705/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Waco — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Waco?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $1,024/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Waco?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $53,705/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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

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