Uprootmap
San Francisco vs Chico
San Francisco and Chico
Photo: Pete Asano, Photographer / Wikimedia, Public domain
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Chico are under the US rate in this release, 3.8 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at San Francisco to Chico
In 2022-2023, 361 households filed a move from San Francisco to Chico (about 561 people, average adjusted gross income $64,366). 219 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $2,635 in San Francisco and $1,174 in Chico. San Francisco has a state tax on wages. Chico has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Chico is 84% of the national level for the same work, against 134% in San Francisco.
Chico averages 233 sunny days, with July highs around 97°F and January nights around 39°F. San Francisco is 259 sunny days, 68°F in July, 46°F in January. Commutes average 21 minutes in Chico and 32 in San Francisco.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 361 households moved San Francisco → Chico (about 561 people, average AGI $64,366). 219 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between San Francisco and Chico changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 163 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,850–$3,500
- Container or pod
- $1,250–$2,350
- Rent a truck
- $500–$900
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Dig into Chico
Questions
Is Chico cheaper than San Francisco after tax and rent?
Yes. Chico leaves about $1,709 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $2,635 in San Francisco and $1,174 in Chico.
Does Chico have state income tax?
Chico is in California, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from San Francisco to Chico?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.