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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Chula Vista

California
178

Mesa is 40% cheaper than Chula Vista.

$1,478/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,122/mo ↑ 44%
$78,779/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$105,173/yr ↑ 34%
$364,300 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$697,400 ↑ 91%
$1,404/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,342/mo ↑ 67%
507,478
Population
275,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Chula Vista, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 178 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $644/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $7,728/year.

Median household income is $26,394/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $697,400 in Chula Vista.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Chula Vista — common questions

Is Mesa or Chula Vista cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Chula Vista?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Chula Vista it's $2,122/month — a difference of $644/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Chula Vista?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $105,173 in Chula Vista. Median household income is $26,394/year higher in Chula Vista.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Chula Vista?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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.
View Mesa details → View Chula Vista details →

More Comparisons

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