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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Chula Vista

California
178

Houston is 51% cheaper than Chula Vista.

$1,313/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,122/mo ↑ 62%
$62,894/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$105,173/yr ↑ 67%
$253,400 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$697,400 ↑ 175%
$1,316/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,342/mo ↑ 78%
2,300,419
Population
275,030

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Chula Vista, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 178 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $809/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $9,708/year.

Median household income is $42,279/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $697,400 in Chula Vista.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Chula Vista — common questions

Is Houston or Chula Vista cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Chula Vista?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Chula Vista it's $2,122/month — a difference of $809/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Chula Vista?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $105,173 in Chula Vista. Median household income is $42,279/year higher in Chula Vista.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Chula Vista?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with rent of $2,122/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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