Chico, CA vs Santa Rosa, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Chico has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Chico | Santa Rosa | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 115 | 155 | Chico |
| Housing | 131 ($1,009) | 197 ($1,459) | Chico |
| Transportation | 106 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Santa Rosa |
| Food & groceries | 91 ($373) | 130 ($533) | Chico |
| Utilities | 116 ($236) | 149 ($355) | Chico |
| Healthcare | 116 ($170) | 149 ($256) | 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 Santa Rosa, CA cheaper to live in?
Chico, CA is cheaper overall by about 40 index points (Chico, CA: 115, Santa Rosa, CA: 155; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Chico, CA vs Santa Rosa, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $40,250/year in Chico, CA and $54,250/year in Santa Rosa, CA to cover basic living costs.