CostIndexUSA

Chico, CA vs Grand Junction, CO Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

CA
Chico
101.2
overall index
$1,575/mo rent
More AffordableCO
Grand Junction
95.5
overall index
$1,725/mo rent

Grand Junction is moderately cheaper than Chico — 5.6% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Chico, you would need $75,500 in Grand Junction. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

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

🏠 Housing6.0%
Chico
91.9
Grand Junction
86.4
🛒 Groceries8.7%
Chico
105.2
Grand Junction
96.1
🚗 Transportation≈ Equal
Chico
105.3
Grand Junction
104.8
🏥 Healthcare≈ Equal
Chico
95.3
Grand Junction
94.8
Utilities47.5%
Chico
158.8
Grand Junction
83.3

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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

$
Equivalent salary in Grand Junction, CO
$75,500
$4,500 less needed in Grand Junction

Formula: salary × (95.5 ÷ 101.2) = salary × 0.9437. 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×

Grand Junction, CO

Median Home Price
$418,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,725
Housing Index
86.4
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.2×

Chico has 6.0% lower housing costs compared to Grand Junction.

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

Grand Junction, CO

Median Household Income
$64,700
Per Capita Income
$36,900
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
Population
64,785
Top Industries
EnergyHealthcareAgricultureRetailGovernment

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)

Grand Junction, CO
3.1×income-to-rent ratio

68% 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.