Chico, CA vs Fremont, CA

The cost of living difference between Chico, CA and Fremont, CA is dramatic. Chico is 49.9% cheaper than Fremont, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Chico has a cost index of 118 while Fremont sits at 235, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Chico is $1,442/month compared to $2,905/month in Fremont — a 50% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chico is more affordable at $455,300 median vs $1,289,400.

Median household income in Chico is $67,929 compared to $176,350 in Fremont (-61.5%). While Fremont 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 19.8% in Fremont.