The Real Salary Guide to Chico, CA: What a $100,000 Paycheck Actually Buys

In Chico, a six-figure salary looks good on paper. It’s a psychological barrier that screams financial security. But in a California town defined by agricultural markets and university vibes, the math is ruthless.

We aren't interested in gross pay. We are interested in what hits your bank account. Here is the unvarnished financial reality of earning $100,000 in Chico, California.

The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

Let’s run the numbers. You sign a contract for $100,000 annually. The company touts a "competitive salary." The government demands its cut immediately.

Here is the breakdown of your "Sticker Price" vs. your "Real Market Value."

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax: -$7,650
• State Tax (CA): -$9,300
• Local Tax: $0

The Bottom Line: Your annual take-home pay is $69,436.

The California Penalty

The drop from $100k to $69,436 is a 30.6% reduction. The primary culprit is the California State Tax, which drains $9,300 from your earnings. This is the "Sunshine Tax," and it is non-negotiable.

Your monthly net income is $5,786. That is the only number that matters for your budget.

Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With $5,786 landing in your account every month, how do you survive in a state with high costs? We apply the strict 50/30/20 rule.

Needs ($2,893/mo)

This bucket covers survival: shelter, utilities, groceries, and insurance.

• Rent: Chico’s rental market is tight due to Chico State. A decent one-bedroom averages $1,400–$1,600.
• The Math: After rent ($1,500), utilities, and insurance, you are hovering around $1,000 for groceries and gas.
• Verdict: You can afford rent, but you are not "house rich." You are budgeting tightly to keep the lights on.

Wants ($1,736/mo)

This is your disposable income for dining out, entertainment, and subscriptions.

• The Reality: $1,736 feels like a lot until you price a night out in downtown Chico or a weekend trip to the Bay Area. Gas prices in California eat this budget alive.
• Verdict: You have freedom, but it’s easily evaporated by two or three impulse purchases.

Savings ($1,157/mo)

This is the wealth builder.

• The Power: $1,157 monthly is $13,884 annually.
• The Strategy: This is not an emergency fund; this is investment capital. If you are not dumping this into a 401(k) or low-cost index funds, you are losing ground to inflation. This amount is solid for Chico, but it requires discipline.

Chico Taxes vs The Competition

Does the California tax burden make Chico unlivable compared to other hubs? Let's look at the data.

Chico vs. Austin, Texas

• Scenario: $100,000 Salary.
• Texas: No State Income Tax.
• Chico: ~$9,300 State Tax.
• Result: To match the take-home pay of a Texan earning $100k, you need to earn roughly $113,000 in Chico. Austin is more expensive overall, but the lack of state tax in Texas puts cash in your pocket that Chico residents never see.

Chico vs. New York City, NY

• Scenario: $100,000 Salary.
• NYC: High State + City taxes.
• Result: NYC extracts significantly more than Chico. A $100k salary in NYC results in a take-home pay of roughly $63,000 (depending on deductions).
• Verdict: Chico beats NYC on taxes, but NYC wages are often higher to compensate. Chico sits in the middle: higher taxes than the South, lower than the East Coast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Chico?
A: Chico residents pay the standard California state income tax. For a $100,000 salary, the effective state tax rate is approximately 9.3%, resulting in a deduction of $9,300. There is no specific "Chico City Income Tax."

Q: Is $100,000 a good salary in Chico?
A: Yes, but with caveats. It is well above the median household income for the area. However, after taxes ($69,436 net), it provides a comfortable but not luxurious lifestyle. You will live alone and save money, but you will not be wealthy by California standards.

Q: Does Chico have a local city tax?
A: No. Based on current data, Chico does not levy a local income tax on residents.

---

• Methodology: Calculations based on 2026 IRS tax brackets (Single Filer, Standard Deduction), 2026 FICA rates, and California State Income Tax schedules. Cost of living data synthesized from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) metrics and State Comptroller general fund revenue reports.