Is Austin, TX cheaper than Chula Vista, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 28.5% cheaper than Chula Vista, CA. This translates to saving $2135 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Chula Vista, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Chula Vista, CA, you'd need approximately $124,375 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chula Vista, CA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 44.8% cheaper than in Chula Vista, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $4,100/month in Chula Vista, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chula Vista, CA to Austin, TX?

Moving from Chula Vista, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2135 per month, or $25625 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chula Vista, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chula Vista, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.4K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 28.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,135

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Chula Vista, CA

Population:275K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$840K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:72

Median Home:$558K

Chula Vista, CA

The Golden State

275K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 275K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chula Vista, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Chula Vista, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,223/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $2,339less	44.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $287less	18.3%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $151less	8.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$959/mo	↓ $120less	11.1%
⚡All Utilities	$634/mo	$541/mo	↓ $92.89less	14.7%
🏥Healthcare	$638/mo	$589/mo	↓ $49.57less	7.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 44.8%

Chula Vista, CA

$5,223

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$2,339

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 18.3%

Chula Vista, CA

$1,571

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$287

less

📦Other

↓ 8.0%

Chula Vista, CA

$1,892

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$151

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.1%

Chula Vista, CA

$1,079

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$120

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 14.7%

Chula Vista, CA

$634

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$92.89

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 7.8%

Chula Vista, CA

$638

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$49.57

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,130

To$1,585

↓ $1,545

1 Bed

From$3,360

To$1,685

↓ $1,675

2 Bed

From$4,100

To$1,995

↓ $2,105

3 Bed

From$5,460

To$2,525

↓ $2,935

Chula Vista, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,280–$3,690/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,037

Monthly in Chula Vista, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$3,039

Difference

Home Values

Chula Vista

Austin

$840K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -2.4%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +35.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$748K - $1.14M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 34% less expensive than Chula Vista

Calculate payment - Chula Vista Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Chula Vista, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Chula Vista, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.