Cost of Living in Chico, CA

With a cost of living index of 118, Chico, CA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 18% more expensive than the national average and 26% below the California state average of 144. As a major city with a population of 102,032, Chico offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Chico's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,442 (9% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $455,300 (49% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.7x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Chico is $67,929, which is 10% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 25% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Everyday prices in the Chico, CA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.