2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Boulder, CO vs Chico, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Chico older or younger than people in Boulder?
- The Median Age in Chico is 1.4 years older than in Boulder.

Are housing costs cheaper in Chico or Boulder?
- Chico housing costs are 55.9% less expensive than Boulder housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Chico or Boulder?
- The average commute for residents of Chico is 2.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Boulder.

Things to do in Boulder?
Boulder, Colorado is a unique city in the foothills of the Rockies. From incredible outdoor recreation to delicious food and vibrant nightlife, Boulder has something for everyone. Nature lovers will be captivated by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and can take advantage of over 200 miles of trails for hiking, biking and climbing. For those looking to relax, Boulder Creek Path provides visitors with a peaceful respite from busy city life. Culture aficionados won’t want to miss out on visiting various galleries and historic landmarks throughout town, such as the Chautauqua Park Historic District or view pieces at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. And after a day spent exploring this beautiful city, guests can unwind at one of Boulder’s many restaurants for some delicious local fare or enjoy a lively night at one of its lively bars! With its stunning mountain views and endless activities, Boulder promises to leave visitors with lasting memories!

Things to do in Chico?
Chico, California is an amazing city located in Northern California. It's known for its beautiful parklands, vibrant culture, and lively downtown area. Visitors can take advantage of outdoor activities like hiking at Bidwell Park or biking along the Sacramento River Trail to explore the local area. Culture buffs can visit places like the National Yo-Yo Museum or the Gateway Science Museum to gain insight into local culture. After exploring, sample delicious food from restaurants like Burgers & Brew or The Banshee Restaurant and Bar. With so much to offer, Chico is a great place to visit for an unforgettable experience!

 Boulder, COChico, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock103,898329,725,481
 Median Income$74,902  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock30.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$997,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.11  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Boulder    55 Reviews

Outside of the university, Boulder had a very distinctive "wealthy hippy" feel. A lot of alternative medicine and a matching ethos. This is changing some among my  More

   |    Reply

We moved here from Texas about 4 years ago and love it here! The amazing sense of community and high regard for the environment are two of the main reasons we love  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

Most people do much worse than Boulder. I'm the most critical person I've ever met who is never happy or satisfied -- so that's a pretty huge compliment.   More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Boulder

Reviews for Chico    31 Reviews

Chico is imperfect like most places, but it's still good. Any and all of it's issues proceed from it's main fault of growing increasingly liberal, which is to be  More

   |    Reply

Uuwuu · 
Over 3 years ago

Chico's decent. I've been living here for ~5 years now. Eveen though my brother loves Chico and would like to stay, I would like to leave. I have no issues with crime or  More

   |    Reply

I was born in Oroville and I grew up in Oroville and Biggs. I have heard all my life about crime in chico. Well I have lived in Chico near Chapman for almost 10 years  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Chico


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.