Boulder vs Chico
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Chico is 32% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,059/mo vs $1,393/mo in Boulder — saving $4,008/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Boulder | Chico | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $912 | $698 | $214 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,165 | $859 | $306 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,393 | $1,059 | $334 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,797 | $1,354 | $443 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,079 | $1,491 | $588 |
| Median Income | $78,256 | $66,884 | $11,372 |
Boulder
- Studio
- $912/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,165/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,393/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,797/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,079/mo
- Median Income
- $78,256/yr
Chico
- Studio
- $698/mo
- 1 BR
- $859/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,059/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,354/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,491/mo
- Median Income
- $66,884/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boulder or Chico cheaper to rent in?
Chico is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,059/mo vs $1,393/mo in Boulder. That's $334/mo or $4,008/year more expensive in Boulder (32% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Boulder vs Chico?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Boulder is $1,393/month. In Chico, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,059/month.
How do incomes compare between Boulder and Chico?
The median household income in Boulder is $78,256/year. In Chico it is $66,884/year. Boulder has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Boulder vs Chico?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Boulder is $912/mo. In Chico it is $698/mo.