They are so different. I think the main question is do you like city life or the country. SF is fast paced and exciting and Humboldt is famous for their weed and "earthy" people. Unless you have family near Humboldt, it is pretty isolated. I think they are both about the same academically, both midrange state schools. I think Chico is a little higher up the ranks of California state schools and a little it less isolated than Humboldt. My brother went there and had a great time. Great college town and had a good time in the dorms. Everyone I know who goes to SF really enjoys it. It’s on the outskirts of the city so its not too crazy. Unless you really enjoy the wilderness and smoking copious amounts of ganja, I would go to SF.