Chico, California | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros
- noordinarypath
- Jun 16
- 3 min read

Welcome to Chico, CA
Nestled in the northern Sacramento Valley, Chico offers a blend of small-town charm, vibrant college town energy (thanks to CSU Chico), and beautiful outdoor spaces. Known for its parks, rivers, and warm weather, Chico is perfect for travel nurses who want affordable living, good healthcare facilities, and plenty of nature right outside their door.
💰 Cost of Living
Cost of Living Index: Chico scores 110, a little higher than the national average but very reasonable for California.🔗 BestPlaces
Average Rent: About $1,300–$1,700/month for a one-bedroom apartment.🔗 Zillow
Utilities: Around $160/month, depending on the season.
🌤️ Weather by Month
Chico has a Mediterranean climate—hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Description |
January | 55°F | 37°F | 🌧 Cool and rainy |
February | 62°F | 40°F | 🌤 Milder with more sun |
March | 68°F | 44°F | 🌷 Spring starts to bloom |
April | 74°F | 47°F | 🌼 Pleasant and warming up |
May | 83°F | 53°F | ☀️ Perfect outdoor weather |
June | 92°F | 60°F | 🌞 Hot and dry |
July | 98°F | 65°F | ☀️ Peak summer heat |
August | 97°F | 64°F | 🌤 Still hot but dry |
September | 90°F | 59°F | 🍂 Cooling slightly |
October | 78°F | 52°F | 🎃 Mild and crisp |
November | 64°F | 44°F | 🌬 Cool and pleasant |
December | 55°F | 38°F | ❄️ Cool, occasional rain |
🛏️ Furnished Housing Options
🛋 1-Bedroom Options
Chico Midtown Studio – Walkable to downtown and Enloe Medical Center🔗 Furnished Finder
Private In-Law Unit Near Bidwell Park – Peaceful, fully furnished🔗 Furnished Finder
Airbnb Monthly Rentals – Wide selection of private cottages and apartments🔗 Airbnb Search
🛏 2-Bedroom Options
2BR Fully Furnished Home Near CSU – Quiet neighborhood with private yard🔗 Furnished Finder
Zillow Rentals – Use filters for 2BR furnished housing🔗 Zillow Search
🏨 Extended Stay Hotels
Residence Inn by Marriott – ChicoFull kitchens, breakfast, and laundry facilities🔗 View Hotel
Oxford Suites ChicoExtended-stay friendly with kitchenettes🔗 View Hotel
Extended Stay America – Sacramento (if needed for options)🔗 View Hotel
🚐 RV Parks
🎉 Fun Things to Do in Chico
Bidwell Park – One of the largest city parks in the U.S., perfect for hiking, biking, and swimming
Downtown Chico – Walkable with shops, breweries, and live music
Sierra Nevada Brewery – Famous brewery with tours and tastings
Thursday Night Market – Weekly farmers market with food and live entertainment
Gateway Science Museum – Great for family visits and learning about local nature
🧳 Nearby Weekend Trips
Lassen Volcanic National Park (~1.5 hrs): Hiking, geothermal features, and mountain views
Lake Oroville (~45 min): Boating, fishing, and camping
Sacramento, CA (~1.5 hrs): Big-city amenities, museums, and nightlife
Napa Valley, CA (~2.5 hrs): Wine country day trips
🕒 Summary
Chico is one of Northern California’s best-kept secrets for travel nurses: affordable for CA, full of nature, and loaded with personality. You’ll have everything from peaceful parks to vibrant downtown energy, all wrapped up in one sunny package.
✅ Close to Enloe Medical Center & Butte County healthcare facilities
✅ Affordable housing (especially for California!)
✅ Tons of outdoor activities year-round
✅ Walkable, safe, and traveler-friendly
Want laid-back California living without the big-city price? Chico delivers. 🌳🍻🩺
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