Salary Needed to Live in Chico as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $29,292/year to live comfortably in Chico, CA — including 12% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$29,292
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$24,477
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,489
3% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in Chico
| Expense | Chico | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $175 | $137 | +28% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $38 | $27 | +41% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $15 | $19 | -21% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $30 | $35 | -14% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $146 | $215 | -32% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $44 | $54 | -19% |
| Internet | $70 | $65 | +8% |
| Phone (×2) | $151 | $140 | +8% |
| Dining & Social | $486 | $450 | +8% |
| Entertainment | $194 | $180 | +8% |
| Personal Care (×2) | $140 | $130 | +8% |
| Total Monthly | $1,489 | $1,452 | +3% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,489
Target savings (12%):$243/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,732
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$29,292
Other Household Types in Chico
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in Chico?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $29,292/year ($2,441/month gross) to live comfortably in Chico with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in Chico?
A 1-2br apartment in Chico costs approximately $175/month, which is the largest single expense at 12% of the total budget.
Is Chico affordable for a couple (no kids)?
Chico is roughly average for couple (no kids) costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.