Chico vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Chico is 64% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,059/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $8,184/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Chico | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $698 | $1,126 | $428 |
| 1 Bedroom | $859 | $1,403 | $544 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,059 | $1,741 | $682 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,354 | $2,068 | $714 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,491 | $2,592 | $1,101 |
| Median Income | $66,884 | $106,107 | $39,223 |
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
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
- Studio
- $1,126/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,403/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,741/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,068/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,592/mo
- Median Income
- $106,107/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chico or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Chico is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,059/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $682/mo or $8,184/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (64% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Chico vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Chico is $1,059/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Chico and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Chico is $66,884/year. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $106,107/year. Santa Maria-Santa Barbara has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Chico vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Chico is $698/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.