CostIndexUSA

Chico, CA vs Fayetteville, AR Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

CA
Chico
101.2
overall index
$1,575/mo rent
More AffordableAR
Fayetteville
91.4
overall index
$1,575/mo rent

Fayetteville is moderately cheaper than Chico — 9.7% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Chico, you would need $72,300 in Fayetteville. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

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

🏠 Housing16.3%
Chico
91.9
Fayetteville
76.9
🛒 Groceries11.0%
Chico
105.2
Fayetteville
93.6
🚗 Transportation4.9%
Chico
105.3
Fayetteville
100.1
🏥 Healthcare5.0%
Chico
95.3
Fayetteville
90.5
Utilities52.7%
Chico
158.8
Fayetteville
75.1

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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

$
Equivalent salary in Fayetteville, AR
$72,300
$7,700 less needed in Fayetteville

Formula: salary × (91.4 ÷ 101.2) = salary × 0.9032. 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×

Fayetteville, AR

Median Home Price
$358,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,575
Housing Index
76.9
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.9×

Chico has 16.3% lower housing costs compared to Fayetteville.

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

Fayetteville, AR

Median Household Income
$77,700
Per Capita Income
$44,300
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
Population
93,949
Top Industries
EducationHealthcareTechnologyRetailManufacturing

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)

Fayetteville, AR
4.1×income-to-rent ratio

76% 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.