Chico, CA vs Sacramento, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Chico has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Chico | Sacramento | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 115 | 123 | Chico |
| Housing | 131 ($1,009) | 139 ($1,186) | Chico |
| Transportation | 106 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Sacramento |
| Food & groceries | 91 ($373) | 112 ($459) | Chico |
| Utilities | 116 ($236) | 120 ($250) | Chico |
| Healthcare | 116 ($170) | 120 ($181) | Chico |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chico, CA or Sacramento, CA cheaper to live in?
Chico, CA is cheaper overall by about 8 index points (Chico, CA: 115, Sacramento, CA: 123; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Chico, CA vs Sacramento, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $40,250/year in Chico, CA and $43,050/year in Sacramento, CA to cover basic living costs.