Chico vs El Centro
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
El Centro is 27% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $834/mo vs $1,059/mo in Chico — saving $2,700/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Chico | El Centro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $698 | $556 | $142 |
| 1 Bedroom | $859 | $706 | $153 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,059 | $834 | $225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,354 | $1,056 | $298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,491 | $1,186 | $305 |
| Median Income | $66,884 | $50,743 | $16,141 |
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
El Centro
- Studio
- $556/mo
- 1 BR
- $706/mo
- 2 BR
- $834/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,056/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,186/mo
- Median Income
- $50,743/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chico or El Centro cheaper to rent in?
El Centro is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $834/mo vs $1,059/mo in Chico. That's $225/mo or $2,700/year more expensive in Chico (27% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Chico vs El Centro?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Chico is $1,059/month. In El Centro, a 2-bedroom FMR is $834/month.
How do incomes compare between Chico and El Centro?
The median household income in Chico is $66,884/year. In El Centro it is $50,743/year. Chico has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Chico vs El Centro?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Chico is $698/mo. In El Centro it is $556/mo.