Chico, CA vs Santa Maria, CA
Cost of Living Comparison
Chico, CA is more affordable by 7.6 index points
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Chico, CA | Santa Maria, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 101.2 | 108.8 | -7.6 |
| Housing | 91.9 | 151.4 | -59.4 |
| Goods | 105.2 | 105.2 | 0.0 |
| Utilities | 158.8 | 149.8 | +9.0 |
| Other Services | 100.3 | 100.3 | 0.0 |
Income & Housing Comparison
| Metric | Chico, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $66,085 | $92,332 |
| Median Home Value | $371,600 | $714,800 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,280 | $1,964 |
| Per Capita Income | $36,374 | $44,635 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chico, CA or Santa Maria, CA cheaper to live in?
Chico, CA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 7.6 index points (Chico, CA: 101.2, Santa Maria, CA: 108.8).
Where is housing cheaper, Chico, CA or Santa Maria, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Chico, CA. Housing index: Chico, CA (91.9) vs Santa Maria, CA (151.4).