Chico, CA vs Fontana, CA

Chico is moderately more affordable than Fontana, with a 13.4% lower cost of living index. Chico scores 118 compared to 136 for Fontana, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Fontana can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Chico is $1,442/month compared to $1,733/month in Fontana — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chico is more affordable at $455,300 median vs $558,500.

Median household income in Chico is $67,929 compared to $98,187 in Fontana (-30.8%). While Fontana is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Chico spend roughly 25.5% of their income on rent, more than the 21.2% in Fontana.