Living in California is a dream come true for many people. With its sunny beaches, bustling cities, and a wealth of entertainment options, it’s easy to see why this state is such a popular destination. However, for those who want to avoid the high costs of living in cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles, there are still many affordable places to call home.
If you’re willing to make a few sacrifices, you can live in some of California’s most exciting areas without breaking the bank. The following list highlights ten of the cheapest places to live in California that still offer plenty of great perks.
While these cities may not be replicas of San Francisco or Los Angeles, they have their own unique charm and attractions. From the beautiful beaches of Oxnard to the historic buildings of Bakersfield, there is something for everyone in these affordable communities.
Whether you’re a young professional just starting out or a family looking to save money, these ten cities offer affordable housing, great job opportunities, and a high quality of life. So, if you’re looking to live in California without breaking the bank, consider one of these amazing communities as your new home.
1. Clearlake: A Natural Paradise for Wine Enthusiasts
- Median home price: $206,200
- Median household income: $25,532
- Population: 15,179
- Closest metropolitan city: San Francisco, roughly 2.5 hours away
Clearlake, a charming small town located on the shores of Clear Lake, is a perfect destination for nature lovers and wine enthusiasts alike. As the largest natural freshwater lake in California, Clear Lake offers a range of recreational activities, from scenic hiking trails to kayaking and swimming in its tranquil waters. For fishing enthusiasts, the lake is abundant with largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill.
Apart from its natural beauty, Clearlake is also renowned for its flourishing wine scene. The town boasts a variety of vineyards and wineries, offering visitors a chance to sample some of the finest wines produced in the region. Additionally, the historic downtown area provides ample opportunities for shopping, gourmet dining, and wine tasting.
What makes Clearlake an even more appealing place to live is its affordability. As one of the cheapest places to live in Northern California, the average cost of a home in the town is around $200,000. This makes Clearlake an excellent choice for individuals and families seeking a peaceful, yet affordable, lifestyle.
Overall, Clearlake is a town that offers something for everyone, whether it’s enjoying nature’s beauty, indulging in some of the best wines, or simply relaxing in an affordable community.
Link to Clearlake’s official website
2. Bakersfield: The Blossoming Cultural Hub in Central California
- Median home price: $311,100
- Median household income: $56,842
- Population: 385,725
- Closest metropolitan city: Los Angeles, a two-hour drive away
Nestled in California’s Central Valley, Bakersfield presents a plethora of delightful surprises. Long renowned for its oil and agricultural industries, this city has undergone a recent transformation, blossoming into a thriving center of art, culture, and rapid growth. Despite these changes, Bakersfield retains its rich historical heritage.
As one of the most affordable cities in California, this agricultural hub boasts the highest concentration of Basque restaurants, cultural gems in the form of galleries and museums, and a selection of antique shops. Outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat, with the nearby Wind Wolves Preserve serving as the largest nonprofit nature preserve on the West Coast. Moreover, with a wealth of enchanting lakeside campsites and unforgettable national park experiences nearby, Bakersfield is a destination that goes above and beyond expectations.
Link to Bakersfield’s cultural attractions
3. Fresno: Where Tradition Meets Adventure
- Median home price: $316,400
- Median household income: $41,455
- Population: 530,267
- Closest metropolitan city: Los Angeles, less than two hours away
Located in the agricultural center of California, Fresno is a thriving city that exudes traditional Spanish allure, offers unique experiences, and provides plenty of outdoor activities. The cost of living in Fresno is relatively affordable and the city boasts splendid gardens and parks, a lively artistic community, mouthwatering farm-to-table cuisine, and a one-of-a-kind attraction that can only be found in Fresno – the Forestiere Underground Gardens.
Furthermore, Fresno’s proximity to some of California’s most renowned national forests and three national parks, including Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia, allows for plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.
Link to Fresno’s Forestiere Underground Gardens
4. Eureka: Coastal Charms and Victorian Elegance
- Median home price: $362,600
- Median household income: $38,007
- Population: 26,652
- Closest metropolitan city: San Francisco, about five hours to reach
Nestled in Humboldt County, near the northern end of the state, Eureka is the largest coastal city between San Francisco and Portland, Oregon. This popular destination oozes with small-town charm, thanks to the ornate Queen Anne homes lining the sidewalks, the Victorian-era Old Town Eureka, and the entertaining family-friendly activities.
The bustling waterfront offers maritime museums and boat tours, too, so passersby can watch the fishmongers reel in their fresh catches of the day. Moreover, there’s no shortage of lush hiking trails, famous film locations, and artisanal California chocolate for new residents to discover in one of the cheapest cities to live in California.
Link to Eureka’s historic Old Town
5. Stockton: Waterfront Living and Cultural Delights
- Median home price: $389,900
- Median household income: $45,347
- Population: 312,716
- Closest metropolitan city: San Francisco, about 1.5 hours away
Stockton is 70 miles from the coastline, but residents can still enjoy waterfront vibes in this affordable place to live. The town sits on a channel that winds its way inland from the San Francisco Bay, ending at the state’s largest inland deep-water port. The Stockton Marina makes it possible to explore the intricate maze of inlets and bays via riverboats. Wander through the downtown waterfront to hear live music, grab some premium California olive oil at the farmers market, or catch a hockey game at Stockton Arena. Away from the scenic waterways, the can’t-miss attractions include the Haggin Museum, colorful Cambodian Buddhist Temple, and Oak Grove Regional Park.
Link to Stockton’s waterfront activities
6. Clovis: Gateway to Adventure in the Sierra Nevada
- Median home price: $420,300
- Median household income: $63,662
- Population: 117,662
- Closest metropolitan city: San Jose, situated about three hours away
Clovis is known as the “Gateway to the Sierra” for a reason: the town is nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, making it a top real-estate choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking one of the cheapest places to live in California. With Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks just a short drive away, you can take your pick of activities such as cycling, hiking, or jogging on the many trails that encircle Clovis. The city itself offers entertainment, too, between its various museums, parks, theaters, and other family-friendly attractions. And when you crave the hustle-and-bustle of a larger city, take a trip to San Jose and enjoy some South Bay adventures.
Link to Clovis’s outdoor activities
7. Sacramento: California’s Capital of Affordability and Adventure
- Median home price: $435,600
- Median household income: $50,013
- Population: 512,838
- Closest metropolitan city: San Francisco, roughly 1.5 hours away
Sacramento is arguably among the best places to live in California. The state capital is not only one of the most affordable places to live, but it also offers a vibrant getaway destination packed with fun things to do. Whether you want a place to savor farm-to-table fare, float down the river, enjoy bike rides and hikes, learn about the state’s Gold Rush history, or explore the creature comforts of Old Town, Sacramento has it all. The affordable city to live in is also very close to top destinations including luxe California ski resorts, buzzy San Francisco, and stunning towns around Lake Tahoe, making it easy to escape whenever the mood strikes.
Link to Sacramento’s Gold Rush history
8. Chico: The Undiscovered NorCal Gem
- Median home price: $424,500
- Median household income: $42,334
- Population: 102,827
- Closest metropolitan city: San Francisco, about a three-hour drive away
The charming town of Chico is one of the fastest-growing cities in California. Though it’s most well-known for being home to Chico State University, one of California’s first state colleges, Chico is a largely undiscovered NorCal gem with affordable housing options to boot. In-the-know locals are well aware of everything one of the cheapest places to live has to offer, including foodie hot spots, fashion-forward boutiques, cultural attractions, and of course, ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Expansive parks and waterfall hikes abound in the town, but when the mountains call, the majestic Lassen Volcanic National Park is merely a stone’s throw away.
Link to Chico’s outdoor activities
9. Fontana: From Steel Mill Town to Thriving Community
- Median home price: $502,400
- Median household income: $64,995
- Population: 216,173
- Closest metropolitan city: Los Angeles, less than one hour away
Historically a rural town, Fontana became a flourishing community after World War II, when entrepreneur Henry J. Kaiser built a large steel mill in the area. Now, the city is home to more than 200,000 people who enjoy access to waterfall hikes, verdant parks, go-kart racing, and the quirky Bono’s Historic Orange on Route 66. Thanks to Fontana’s proximity to Los Angeles, it’s also easy to make a day trip to L.A. to see the city’s best attractions and most beautiful beaches.
Link to Fontana’s historic sites
10. Vacaville: The Tranquil Oasis Between Two Giants
- Median home price: $562,500
- Median household income: $74,207
- Population: 101,332
- Closest metropolitan city: San Francisco, less than one hour away
Tucked away in the rolling hills just west of Sacramento Valley—about halfway between the cities of Sacramento and San Francisco—Vacaville is an affordable place to live and ideal for families seeking a thriving destination without the hustle and bustle of big-city life. With a fascinating past as an agricultural heartland and a rich, vibrant culture, the charming community draws droves with its historic downtown, premium outlets and shops, diverse restaurants, pretty parks, and popular U-pick farms. Residents are also very close to top Bay Area destinations, making it possible to spend a day in Walnut Creek and explore attractions in Wine Country.
Link to Vacaville’s U-pick farms
In conclusion, California is not just about the glamorous big cities; it offers a tapestry of diverse and affordable communities that cater to a variety of lifestyles. From the serene shores of Clearlake to the cultural richness of Bakersfield, there’s a hidden gem for everyone in the Golden State. So, if you’ve been dreaming of California living but were concerned about the cost, these ten cities might just be the affordable answer you’ve been seeking.
