Median rent is 32% lower in Fort Worth ($1,509/mo vs $2,229/mo). Buying is cheaper in Fort Worth, where the median home runs $303,000 versus $758,700. Households earn more in Chula Vista ($108,032 vs $79,507 a year). Taken together, Fort Worth is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.5 against 110.7 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chula Vista, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Fort Worth is 7% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 102.5 in Fort Worth vs 110.7 in Chula Vista (US national average = 100)
City A
Chula Vista, CA
City B
Fort Worth, TX
How much would you need to earn in Fort Worth, TX to maintain your standard of living from Chula Vista, CA?
Equivalent salary in Fort Worth, TX
$69,412
You could earn $5,588 less (7% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Chula Vista
California
Fort Worth
Texas
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Fort Worth — median rent of $1,509/mo versus $2,229/mo in Chula Vista, a 32% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chula Vista: the median home is $758,700 versus $303,000 in Fort Worth — 60% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Chula Vista
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Fort Worth
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Chula Vista (avg AQI 57.0) but not yet for Fort Worth.
Pick Fort Worth if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 102.5 vs 110.7).
Pick Chula Vista if you prioritize higher median household income ($108,032/yr).
Pick Fort Worth if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,509/mo median).
Is Chula Vista cheaper than Fort Worth?
Fort Worth is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.5 versus 110.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Fort Worth.
How much is rent in Chula Vista vs Fort Worth?
Median rent is $2,229/mo in Chula Vista, CA and $1,509/mo in Fort Worth, TX. Fort Worth, TX has the lower rent by about 32%.
Which has higher salaries — Chula Vista or Fort Worth?
Median household income is $108,032 in Chula Vista, CA and $79,507 in Fort Worth, TX. Chula Vista, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Chula Vista or Fort Worth?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Fort Worth to match my Chula Vista income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chula Vista, CA is equivalent to roughly $92,549 in Fort Worth, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
