Which is cheaper: Modesto or Chico?

Chico is cheaper with a cost of living index of 104.6, compared to Modesto's index of 105. The cost of living difference is approximately 0.4000000000000057 index points.

Which city has higher salaries: Modesto or Chico?

Modesto has higher median household income at $80,471, compared to Chico's $61,464. The income difference is approximately $19,007 per year.

Which city is safer: Modesto or Chico?

Chico is safer with a violent crime rate of 567 per 100,000 residents, compared to Modesto's rate of 567 per 100,000. The national average is approximately 400 per 100,000.

Is it worth moving from Modesto to Chico?

Moving from Modesto to Chico could save you money on living costs. However, salaries in Chico are lower by about $19,007. Consider using our salary equivalence calculator to determine if the move makes financial sense for your situation.

What is the cost of living difference between Modesto and Chico?

Modesto has a cost of living index of 105, while Chico has an index of 104.6. Chico is 0% cheaper than Modesto. Housing is typically the biggest factor in this difference.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Modesto vs Chico

Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.

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📊 Lifestyle Match

Visualizing the tradeoffs between Modesto and Chico

📋 The Details

Line-by-line data comparison.

Category / Metric	Modesto	Chico
Financial Overview
Median Income	$80,471	$61,464
Unemployment Rate	5%	5%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$440,000	$440,000
Price per SqFt	$291	$286
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,188	$1,091
Housing Cost Index	103.7	100.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.6	104.6
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.98	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	567.0	567.0
Bachelor's Degree+	22%	38%
Air Quality (AQI)	52	25

AI Verdict: The Bottom Line

Both cities have a similar cost of living (within 5%).

You could earn significantly more in Modesto (+31% median income).

Analysis based on current data snapshot. Individual results may vary.

Expert Verdict

AI-generated analysis based on current data.

Moving from Modesto to Chico: What You Need to Know

Deciding between Modesto and Chico? This data-driven analysis breaks down the key differences in cost of living, housing, and quality of life to help you make the right choice.

1. Cost of Living Analysis

Both cities have a very similar cost of living. Your daily expenses in Modesto will be roughly the same as in Chico.

2. Housing Costs

Real estate prices are comparable. You can expect to pay similar amounts for rent or a mortgage in both cities.

3. Income Potential

The median household income in Modesto is $80,471, while in Chico it is $61,464.

Workers in Modesto typically earn 30.9% more. Be sure to balance this against the cost of living.

4. Safety

Statistically, Chico has a lower violent crime rate.

The Verdict

It's a classic trade-off: Chico is more affordable, while Modesto may offer higher incomes or urban amenities. Your choice depends on your budget priorities.

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Use our AI-powered calculator to estimate your expenses from Modesto to Chico.

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