CostIndexUSA

Chico, CA vs Duluth, MN Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

CA
Chico
101.2
overall index
$1,575/mo rent
More AffordableMN
Duluth
88.8
overall index
$1,750/mo rent

Duluth is moderately cheaper than Chico — 12.3% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Chico, you would need $70,200 in Duluth. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

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

🏠 Housing22.6%
Chico
91.9
Duluth
71.1
🛒 Groceries9.4%
Chico
105.2
Duluth
95.3
🚗 Transportation8.1%
Chico
105.3
Duluth
96.8
🏥 Healthcare8.1%
Chico
95.3
Duluth
87.6
Utilities45.0%
Chico
158.8
Duluth
87.3

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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

$
Equivalent salary in Duluth, MN
$70,200
$9,800 less needed in Duluth

Formula: salary × (88.8 ÷ 101.2) = salary × 0.8775. 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×

Duluth, MN

Median Home Price
$245,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,750
Housing Index
71.1
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.7×

Chico has 22.6% lower housing costs compared to Duluth.

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

Duluth, MN

Median Household Income
$70,200
Per Capita Income
$40,000
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
Population
89,127
Top Industries
HealthcareEducationShippingManufacturingTourism

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)

Duluth, MN
3.3×income-to-rent ratio

70% 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.