CostIndexUSA

Chico, CA vs Elk Grove, CA Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

More AffordableCA
Chico
101.2
overall index
$1,575/mo rent
CA
Elk Grove
106.7
overall index
$2,200/mo rent

Chico is moderately cheaper than Elk Grove — 5.4% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Chico, you would need $84,300 in Elk Grove. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing+41.7%
Chico
91.9
Elk Grove
130.2
🛒 Groceries≈ Equal
Chico
105.2
Elk Grove
105.2
🚗 Transportation≈ Equal
Chico
105.3
Elk Grove
105.3
🏥 Healthcare≈ Equal
Chico
95.3
Elk Grove
95.3
Utilities4.7%
Chico
158.8
Elk Grove
151.3

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Chico to see what you'd need to earn in Elk Grove to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Elk Grove, CA
$84,300
$4,300 more needed in Elk Grove

Formula: salary × (106.7 ÷ 101.2) = salary × 1.0543. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Chico, CA

Median Home Price
$390,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,575
Housing Index
91.9
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.6×

Elk Grove, CA

Median Home Price
$566,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,200
Housing Index
130.2
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.4×

Elk Grove has 41.7% higher housing costs compared to Chico.

Income & Job Market

Chico, CA

Median Household Income
$63,200
Per Capita Income
$36,000
Unemployment Rate
6.9%
Population
101,475
Top Industries
EducationHealthcareAgricultureManufacturingRetail

Elk Grove, CA

Median Household Income
$95,000
Per Capita Income
$54,100
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
Population
176,124
Top Industries
HealthcareGovernmentRetailTechnologyEducation

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Chico, CA
3.3×income-to-rent ratio

70% of income left after rent (median)

Elk Grove, CA
3.6×income-to-rent ratio

72% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.