CostIndexUSA

Chico, CA vs Fort Lauderdale, FL Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

More AffordableCA
Chico
101.2
overall index
$1,575/mo rent
FL
Fort Lauderdale
114.2
overall index
$2,650/mo rent

Chico is moderately cheaper than Fort Lauderdale — 12.8% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Chico, you would need $90,300 in Fort Lauderdale. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

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

🏠 Housing+69.3%
Chico
91.9
Fort Lauderdale
155.6
🛒 Groceries1.5%
Chico
105.2
Fort Lauderdale
103.6
🚗 Transportation+8.8%
Chico
105.3
Fort Lauderdale
114.6
🏥 Healthcare+8.8%
Chico
95.3
Fort Lauderdale
103.7
Utilities38.8%
Chico
158.8
Fort Lauderdale
97.2

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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

$
Equivalent salary in Fort Lauderdale, FL
$90,300
$10,300 more needed in Fort Lauderdale

Formula: salary × (114.2 ÷ 101.2) = salary × 1.1285. 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×

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Median Home Price
$467,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,650
Housing Index
155.6
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.7×

Fort Lauderdale has 69.3% 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

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Median Household Income
$76,300
Per Capita Income
$43,500
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Population
182,760
Top Industries
FinanceTourismHealthcareReal EstateMarine

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)

Fort Lauderdale, FL
2.4×income-to-rent ratio

58% 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.