Chico, CA vs Glendale, CA

The cost of living difference between Chico, CA and Glendale, CA is dramatic. Chico is 37.8% cheaper than Glendale, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Chico has a cost index of 118 while Glendale sits at 189, 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 $2,095/month in Glendale — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chico is more affordable at $455,300 median vs $1,043,900.

Median household income in Chico is $67,929 compared to $84,262 in Glendale (-19.4%). The higher salaries in Glendale partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Chico spend roughly 25.5% of their income on rent, less than the 29.8% in Glendale.