Are you looking to move to California but don’t know where to settle yet? Whether you’re searching for the cheapest city to rent or just looking for a more budget-friendly lifestyle, we have many options.
California may be known for its high cost of living, especially in popular areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles. But not all cities in the Golden State will drain your bank account. If you’re looking for the most affordable places to live in the state, you may be surprised at how many options there are.
We’ll examine the 16 most affordable places to live in California, which offer lower costs of living without sacrificing the state’s charm and beauty.
1. Clearlake
Clearlake is the cheapest place to live in California, with a median home price of $214,900 and an average rent (one bedroom) of $980. This beautiful community has the most affordable housing and the lowest cost of living in the state. You can also indulge in many outdoor activities, like boating, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, and exciting festivals.
2. Bakersfield
Bakersfield is one of the most affordable places to live in California, with a median home price of $387,500 and an average rent of $1,100 for a one-bedroom. Making it an excellent option for those looking to cut housing costs.
The city has a growing job market, especially in agriculture, oil production, and manufacturing, and is home to major employers like Kern Medical Center and California State University, Bakersfield.
3. Stockton
Stockton is a northern California city in the San Joaquin Valley. Its median property value is only $415,000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,295. Stockton has experienced a significant rebirth in recent years, with the opening of new companies and upgrades to its infrastructure. It is an attractive option for those who want to move because of the city’s recent upgrades.
ALSO READ: Here’s the Wage You Need To Earn To Live Comfortably in US Cities
4. Fresno
Fresno is another Central Valley city known for its affordability. With a population of over 500,000, the cost of living is lower than the state average, making it an excellent place for first-time homebuyers. The city is close to Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park, offering plenty of weekend getaway options for outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Clovis
Clovis is an affordable, peaceful, medium-sized community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, just outside Fresno. Its median property values are just over $417,000, making it relatively affordable by California standards.
Clovis is known for its excellent educational system, family-friendly environment, strong sense of community, and lower crime rates.
6. Redding
Redding is one of the cheapest places to live in California. It is located in Northern California and has an average rent of $1,142. The city is surrounded by nature and has access to lakes, mountains, and national parks. It boasts a lower cost of living and many outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and exploring.
7. Vallejo
Vallejo is a waterfront city in the San Francisco Bay area, California, with a median property value of only around $440,000. The city has several tourist attractions like Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and the 1911 Empress Theatre, so a lot is happening in Vallejo. It’s a great place to raise a family and provides easy access to San Francisco and other places.
8. Eureka
Eureka is one of the cheapest beach towns in California. You may want to consider this if you want to live near the coast without the high price tag. The city has a median home price of $332,000, and the average rent is $1,125 for a one-bedroom apartment.
This historic coastal city is well-known for its Victorian architecture and proximity to the Redwood National and State Parks.
9. Redlands
Redlands is one the most affordable California cities, with a median home value of only $458,000. It is located in the center of San Bernardino County’s Inland Empire and is known for being a quiet, suburban neighborhood with lots of beautiful charm. Redlands is a great place to live for those who want a safe suburban neighborhood with easy access to Los Angeles.
10. Vacaville
Vacaville is another one of the most affordable places in California. It is a mid-sized city in Solano County, Northern California, providing easy access to San Francisco and Sacramento. It has a median property value of around $521,000 and a laid-back semi-urban setting. There are also plenty of shopping and entertainment options in the city you can visit.
11. Sacramento
Sacramento, the state capital, is the cheapest large city to live in California. It offers a blend of affordability and city life. The median home value is $428,000, and average rent is $1,500 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Some major employers in Sacramento include the State of California and Sutter Health. For affordable leisure activities, you can visit the California State Capitol Museum or take a stroll along the Sacramento Riverfront.
12. Oxnard
Oxnard is located on the coast of Southern California. Its median property value is around $545,000, which makes it one of the cheapest places to live near the beach. While coastal cities are usually more expensive, Oxnard remains relatively affordable compared to neighboring communities like Ventura and Malibu.
13. Long Beach
Long Beach is a coastal city in the southern part of Los Angeles County, with a median property value of about $640,000. It is the seventh-largest city in California and is a quiet beach town about 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles.
The city is perfect for those who want to live near the city but avoid city prices.
ALSO READ: Top 10 U.S. States Where a Single Individual Can Live Comfortably on $20 an Hour
14. Merced
Merced, often called the “Gateway to Yosemite,” is an affordable city with an average rent of $1,400. Although the University of California, Merced, has boosted growth in the area, housing and living costs remain very low. For cheap and free entertainment, visit the Merced Multicultural Arts Center or walk around Lake Yosemite.
15. Pittsburg
Pittsburg is a city in Contra Costa County, California. The average rent is about $1,900, making it one of California’s most affordable places to live. Some key employers in Pittsburg include the Pittsburg Unified School District and Los Medanos College. For outdoor activities, you can go hiking in the nearby Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve or visit the Pittsburg Historical Society Museum for free.
16. Compton
Compton is located in the Gateway Cities region of southern Los Angeles County, California. The city is another affordable city in California, with an average rent of $1,700 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Major employers in Compton are the Compton Unified School District and Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital. To get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, visit Compton Creek Natural Park; it is a great spot to unwind.
Now that you know that there are many locations across California where you can live comfortably without breaking the bank, we believe you’ll be able to weigh your options and choose using this list of the most affordable places to live in California.