Average Rent in Chico, CA↑ Rents rising 2.7% YoY

Chico, CA has rental prices ranging from $1,069/month to $2,462/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,126/month — 20% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $68,574/year, spending $1,126/month on a 1-bedroom represents 20% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Chico Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,466/month, Chico ranks #30 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in California — pricier than 91% of all US cities in our data.

The Chico Rental Market

The Chico, CA area has a population of about 209,470 and 42% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Chico, CA have risen by $38/month (2.7%) over the past year, from $1,428 to $1,466. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Chico, CA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $45,040. The local median household income of $68,574 exceeds that threshold by $23,534, making Chico relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Chico, CA is $464,431, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 26.4. With a break-even horizon of approximately 26 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Chico's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Chapmantown ($273,451 median home value), South Campus ($377,139 median home value), The Avenues ($422,944 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Chico, CA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Chico?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Chico

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.