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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Chula Vista

California
178

Plano is 26% cheaper than Chula Vista.

$1,792/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,122/mo ↑ 18%
$108,649/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$105,173/yr ↓ 3%
$440,600 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$697,400 ↑ 58%
$1,829/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,342/mo ↑ 28%
287,339
Population
275,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Chula Vista, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 178 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $3,476/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $697,400 in Chula Vista.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Chula Vista — common questions

Is Plano or Chula Vista cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Chula Vista?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Chula Vista it's $2,122/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Chula Vista?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $105,173 in Chula Vista. Median household income is $3,476/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Chula Vista?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Chula Vista details →

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