Rent in Chico, CA at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$1,625$19,500 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,509 (−7.1%)How much rent can you afford in Chico, CA?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Chico, CA by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,155 | $13,860 | $46,200 | $22.21/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,270 | $15,240 | $50,800 | $24.42/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $1,625 | $19,500 | $65,000 | $31.25/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,260 | $27,120 | $90,400 | $43.46/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,726 | $32,712 | $109,040 | $52.42/hr |
Living and working in Chico, CA
Rent in Chico, CA: common questions
How much is rent going down in Chico, CA in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,509 for a two-bedroom, down 7.1% from $1,625. A one-bedroom goes from $1,270 to $1,190, a studio from $1,155 to $1,064.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Chico, CA?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,270 for a one-bedroom and $1,625 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $19,500 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Chico, CA?
To keep a $1,625 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $31.25 an hour, or $65,000 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,270 takes $24.42 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Chico, CA?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,155, one bedroom $1,270, two $1,625, three $2,260 and four $2,726 a month.
Is rent affordable in Chico, CA?
For the typical household, earning $66,977 a year ($5,581 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,625 takes 29.1% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($1,625 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $65,000. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $31.25 an hour.