Chico, CA vs Modesto, CA

Chico, CA and Modesto, CA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.6% difference in their overall index. Chico scores 118 while Modesto scores 120 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chico is $1,442/month compared to $1,609/month in Modesto — a 10% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Chico has cheaper rent, Modesto actually has lower median home values ($415,600 vs $455,300).

Median household income in Chico is $67,929 compared to $77,899 in Modesto (-12.8%). While Modesto 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 24.8% in Modesto.