California is known for its beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities, and its high cost of living. However, don’t let that discourage you from moving to the Golden State!
Thankfully, some of the cheapest cities to live in California are great alternatives to the hustle-and-bustle of LA or San Francisco—without sacrificing quality of life. In this article, we’ll help you find the right (affordable) Californian city for you.
What’s the Cheapest City to Live in California?
California is home to around 40 million people, making it the most populous state in the United States. As of 2020, California has the second-largest city in the US (Los Angeles), and a few more in the top 10 list (San Jose and San Diego). However, most of the population is concentrated in the Bay Area and Southern California, which has driven up property prices and taxes over the years.
But, the vibrant inland regions and picturesque coastal towns keep attracting new residents, so it’s important to choose an affordable city. We’ve pulled data for some of the cheapest cities throughout California, and they include:
Chico: Affordable City with Central Access
- Chico Median Home Price: $489K
- Average Rent: $1,200-$1,450 per month
- Average Salary: $52,699 per year
- Closest Big City: Sacramento – 87 miles
- Population: 102,661
- Unemployment Rate: 5%
Northern California is not just about the glitz and glamor of San Francisco or the breathtaking beauty of the Redwoods. There are budget-friendly spots that offer a mix of urban and rural living options, catering to those who wish to experience the best of both worlds.
Cities like Chico provide residents with a pleasantly moderate cost of living compared to the state average while still offering a rich and diverse cultural scene.
Image courtesy of Explore Butte County CA
Chico is renowned for its esteemed universities and cost-effective neighborhoods, such as Sheridan Square, Lassen Villa, Forest Avenue Apartments, and Amanda Place.
The city offers a lower cost of living than larger cities like Los Angeles and the Bay Area, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a more budget-conscious lifestyle.
Sacramento: Big City Living, Affordable Cost
- Sacramento Median Home Price: $479.9K
- Average Rent: $1,856 per month
- Average Salary: $66,603 per year
- Closest Big City: San Francisco – 88 miles
- Population: 529,000
- Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
Sacramento, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like San Francisco and Los Angeles, has made a name for itself as the most affordable place to live in California. Sacramento is the seat of the state government, but the city has a relaxed and safe feel. What’s more, Sacramento offers affordable housing options without sacrificing the excitement of living in a major city.
The city’s diverse neighborhoods cater to various lifestyles, from young professionals to growing families, making it an attractive option for those looking to escape the skyrocketing prices of other Californian cities. Neighborhoods like Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Roseville, and Rocklin are all great places to look if you’re considering Sacramento as a home.
Stockton: Waterfront Living at a Fraction of the Cost
Image courtesy of Visit Stockton.org
- Stockton Median Home Price: $443.3K
- Average Rent: $1,590 per month
- Average Salary: $55,052 per year
- Closest Big City: San Francisco – 83 miles
- Population: 324,888
- Unemployment Rate: 6.2%
Stockton, located in the heart of Central Valley, offers waterfront living at a fraction of the cost of other popular Californian cities.
The city is home to a variety of activities, including the Haggin Museum, Cambodian Buddhist Temple, and Oak Grove Regional Park. Stockton is also conveniently located near major metropolitan cities like San Francisco and Sacramento, making it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy city life without the high costs often associated with waterfront living.
Stockton also has a robust nature scene, with the San Joaquin Valley offering numerous little lakes and coves scattered across the northern part of the city. Plus, Mt. Diablo State Park is only a day trip away and has great hiking trails and superb views of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Merced: Affordable Living, Great Views
Image courtesy of California.com
- Merced Median Home Price: $416.3K
- Average Rent: $1,482 per month
- Average Salary: $54,431 per year
- Closest Big City: Fresno – 57 miles
- Population: 95,167
- Unemployment Rate: 7.8%
Merced is a smaller city located between San Jose and Fresno and is a great place for people looking for small-town life. Even though Merced has the lowest population of all the cities on this list, it still has a plethora of things to do.
The Merced National Wildlife Refuge and Lake Yosemite appeal to nature enthusiasts, while the Community Theatre and Multicultural Art Center provide a robust arts scene. Merced is also home to a number of museums and historical centers.
Smaller towns like Franklin or Placada on the outskirts of Merced offer a bit more quietude for families that just want to take in the Californian countryside. Neighborhoods like Loughborough are only a few minutes away from the city center but still have a suburban feel.
Fresno: The Fifth Largest City That’s Surprisingly Affordable
- Fresno Median Home Price: $399.9K
- Average Rent: $1,547 per month
- Average Salary: $56,513 per year
- Closest Big City: San Jose – 150 miles
- Population: 549,242
- Unemployment Rate: 6.9%
Fresno, the fifth-largest city in California, has a reputation for being an agricultural hub, but it offers an attractive alternative to the high real estate prices of other major cities in the state. Fresno has a number of quaint, quiet neighborhoods like Sunnyside or Woodward Park, which are great for growing families or retirees.
Everything in Fresno is fairly close to the Mural District, which is the central hub of the city. Popular places in Fresno include the Gibson Farm Market, the Chaffee Zoo, and the Saroyan Theatre.
With its affordable living options and a wide array of cultural and recreational activities, Fresno proves that living in a big city doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Bakersfield: One of the Cheapest Places to Live in California
Image courtesy of Visit Bakersfield California
- Bakersfield Median Home Price: $380K
- Average Rent: $1,495 per month
- Average Salary: $59,299 per year
- Closest Big City: Los Angeles – 113 miles
- Population: 416,175
- Unemployment Rate: 7.5%
As far as affordable cities go, Bakersfield is one of the best. It’s smaller than Fresno but larger than Merced, Stockton, and Chico.
Bakersfield is located in Southern California, about a two-hour drive from LA. The city is conveniently located near the center of California, with access to the Sequoia National Parks system two hours north. Beaches like Pismo State Beach are only two hours west.
Tevis Ranch and Greenacres are great neighborhoods in Bakersfield for suburban living, while places like Riviera provide better access to Bakersfield’s downtown nightlife and art scene.
Overall, Bakersfield is one of the most laid-back, larger cities in California. They have a robust country music scene and a dedication to nature conservation. Plus, they are one of the most affordable places outside of Northern California.
The Allure of Smaller Communities
While big cities and popular tourist destinations often steal the spotlight, smaller communities in California offer an attractive, community-minded, and nature-focused experience. These smaller communities boast:
- A lower cost of living
- A strong sense of community
- A relaxed pace of life
- Convenient access to nature
- A distinct cultural identity
The cost of living in smaller communities can vary, but generally, housing costs range from $1,360 to $2,649 per month. Although the cost of living in California is still 42% higher than the national average, smaller communities provide a more affordable and tight-knit living environment, making them an ideal option for those seeking a more peaceful and community-centered lifestyle.
Move To California With Confidence
Moving to another city or state can be a big undertaking, especially if you’re moving into a smaller house or apartment. Given that property prices tend to be higher for larger houses, you might not have enough room to store all your belongings.
You’ll either have to significantly downsize, or search for a budget-friendly storage solution. Neighbor is a self-storage marketplace where you can find safe, local storage spaces with up to 50% lower prices than traditional storage facilities. All of Neighbor’s hosts are vetted, ensuring your belongings will be in good hands, giving you more time and space to enjoy your new home.
