Chico, CA vs San Juan Capistrano, CA

The cost of living difference between Chico, CA and San Juan Capistrano, CA is dramatic. Chico is 38.8% cheaper than San Juan Capistrano, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Chico has a cost index of 118 while San Juan Capistrano sits at 192, 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 $2,500/month in San Juan Capistrano — a 42% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chico is more affordable at $455,300 median vs $929,700.

Median household income in Chico is $67,929 compared to $127,893 in San Juan Capistrano (-46.9%). While San Juan Capistrano 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 23.5% in San Juan Capistrano.