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As the largest city in Northern California’s Butte County, Chico is home to slightly more than 103,000 people, with seniors representing 12.5% of the total population. Chico residents of all ages enjoy the amenities of a college town, thanks to the presence of California State University. Chico’s vibrant downtown features an eclectic art scene, tree-lined streets and an abundance of public art, such as murals, serene fountains and sculptures. Residents of Chico enjoy warm summers and mild winters, with summer highs in the 90s and winter lows in the high 30s. There are three golf courses located in Chico and another one less than 15 miles away. Chico’s crown jewel, Bidwell Park, is one of the biggest municipal parks in the country and has hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, two disc golf courses, horseback riding and much more.
Assisted living is an option for seniors who don’t need a nursing home level of care, but could use help with routine aspects of daily life. Services in assisted living facilities include housekeeping, meals and basic personal care. According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of assisted living in Chico, CA, is $5,106 — $600 higher than the national average, but $150 lower than the state average.
The following guide to assisted living in Chico includes cost comparisons, suggestions on how to pay for it and a list of local resources for Chico seniors.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in California. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
Assisted living costs average $5,106 in Chico.
At a monthly average of $5,106, assisted living in Chico is more expensive than the national average of $4,500. However, it’s not as high as the California median of $5,250, making Chico a good choice for seniors on a budget who’d like to retire in California.
Assisted living costs in Chico are higher than those found in Central Valley and Inland Empire communities, where residents of Fresno and Riverside pay a monthly average of $3,900 and $4,000, respectively. Costs are higher in the San Francisco Bay Area, where residents pay an average of $6,319 per month for assisted living, and in the Silicon Valley, where the average in San Jose is $6,000. Those in Redding to Chico’s north pay less at an average of $4,450 per month. At the southern end of California, the cost of assisted living in San Diego averages $5,475.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in California.
| Contact | Description | |
| Passages, Area 3 Agency on Aging | (530) 898-5923 | As a partner with the state of California’s Department of Aging, Passages provides seniors with information about available services and resources. It also provides heath insurance counseling and assistance with Medicare applications, as well as advocacy services for seniors who are living in long-term care facilities. |
| Lakeside Pavillion | (530) 895-4015 | Lakeside Pavillion is part of the Chico Area Recreation and Park District and serves as a hub for its senior programs. Programs and activities include tai chi, yoga, card games, dances and lunches on weekdays. The 6,000 square foot facility is situated on the shores of California Park Lake, and there is a handicap-accessible trail to the waterfront. |
| Chico VA Clinic | (530) 879-5000 | Veterans of the U.S. armed forces can receive primary health care, as well as a variety of related services, such as chiropractic, mental health, dental and podiatry. An on-site social worker is also available to assist veterans with finding community resources for housing, utilities and addiction treatment. |
| B-Line Paratransit | (530) 342-0221 | Operated by Butte Regional Transit, B-Line Paratransit provides transportation services to seniors and those with qualifying disabilities. Dial-a-Ride is available for seniors aged 70 and older. |
| Elder College at California State University in Chico | (530) 898-6105 | California State University’s ElderCollege program allows seniors aged 60 and older to sit in on any regular course on campus on a space-available basis. Permission from instructors is required, and fees include eligibility for university library cards and email accounts. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Chico area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
