Cost of Living in Chico, WA
Population 3,016 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Chico sits 103% above the national median — $620,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $124,700 (67% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.2% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Chico sits roughly 15 miles west of Seattle — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 32% lower than Seattle's $912,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chico
The median home value in Chico is $620,300 — 103% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,724/month, 31% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $124,700/year is 67% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Washington charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 61.6°F and lows of 46.0°F. Overall, Chico has a cost of living index of 175 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 75% more expensive.
Chico has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 49 | 51 | 55 | 60 | 67 | 71 | 77 | 77 | 72 | 61 | 53 | 48 |
| Low °F | 37 | 37 | 39 | 44 | 49 | 54 | 58 | 58 | 54 | 46 | 40 | 36 |
| Precip" | 5.21 | 3.71 | 3.94 | 2.89 | 1.98 | 1.22 | 0.56 | 0.83 | 1.37 | 3.49 | 5.80 | 5.49 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chico, WA?
Chico has a cost index of 175 (100 = national average). It is 75% above the national average.
What is average rent in Chico, WA?
The median gross rent in Chico is $1,724 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Chico?
The median home value in Chico is $620,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Chico?
The median household income in Chico is $124,700 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chico, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chico is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Chico, WA affordable?
Chico is above average in cost of living, with an index of 175 — about 75% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Chico?
Chico has average high temperatures of 61.6°F and average lows of 46.0°F. Annual precipitation is 36.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Chico at a Glance
- Population
- 3,016
- Median Income
- $124,700
- Home Value
- $620,300
- Median Rent
- $1,724/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs