Best for affordability: Chico, California
Chico, California looks like the easiest place here to live with less financial drag. It comes out ahead on rent burden and rent.
Demand-Backed Comparison
Compare Chico vs Modesto on cost, climate, safety, and daily life
People have logged this comparison 2 times on WhyThere. The cards open full city pages. The charts and matrix below are the fast side-by-side read on housing, climate, walkability, safety, schools, parks, and day-to-day tradeoffs.
ChicoModesto
What Stands Out
A quick read on this comparison
Deterministic summaries based on the data in view.
Biggest tradeoff: Chico, California
Chico, California is the sharpest split in this comparison: strong on safety, weaker on sunshine.
Potential dealbreaker: Chico, California
Chico, California needs a closer look before you get too attached, especially on tax burden.
Comparison Matrix
| City | ||
|---|---|---|
| Route | ||
| General Info | ||
| Population | 121,345 | 211,266 |
| Elevation | 197 ft(60 m) | 92 ft(28 m) |
| Housing & Wealth | ||
| Median Home | $453,760 | $436,258 |
| Median Rent | $1,662 | $2,029 |
| Median Income | $65,932 | $73,375 |
| Rent Burden | 30% | 33% |
| Climate & Risks | ||
| Sunny Days | 324 days/yr | 335 days/yr |
| Avg. High | 77°F | 78°F |
| Comfort Score | 65/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Temp Swing | 47°F | 45°F |
| Annual Rainfall | 31"(79 cm) | 17"(43 cm) |
| Annual Snowfall | 1"(3 cm) | 0"(0 cm) |
| Air Quality | AQI 39 (Avg)36 days > 100 | AQI 49 (Avg)42 days > 100 |
| Infrastructure & Lifestyle | ||
| Walk Score | 50 | 65 |
| Transit Score | N/A | 59 |
| Safety Score | 62 / 100 | 56 / 100 |
| School Rating | 6.5/10 | 5.3/10 |
| Internet Access | Fiber: 14%Cable: 92% | Fiber: 22%Cable: 95% |
| Demographics | ||
| Median Age | 30.4 years | 34.9 years |
| College Educated | 41% | 20% |
| Remote Workers | 12% | 7% |
| Nature Access | ||
| Local Nature & Reserves | Finding... | Finding... |
| Scouting & Local Help | ||
Plan a first lookWays to plan a first visit or connect with a relevant local partner. | Featured Local Partner ADYour logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in Chico | Featured Local Partner ADYour logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in Modesto |
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