what is the least expensive city in california

The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In California For 2022

• 1. Ridgecrest Our most affordable city in California for 2022, Ridgecrest, is nestled between the Sierra Nevada, Cosos, Argus, and El Paso mountain ranges. ...
• 2. Coalinga Coalinga, California’s “Sunny Side of the Valley,” is our second most affordable city in the The Land of Milk and Honey for 2022. ...
• 3. Imperial ...
• 4. Corning ...
• 5. Blythe ...
• 6. Hanford ...
• 7. Taft ...
• 8. Avenal ...

Full Answer

Which city in California has the lowest cost of living?

The 10 Most Cheapest Places to Live in California

1. Imperial, CA. Located in Imperial County, Imperial is one of cheapest cities to live in California. ...
2. Vacaville, CA. Nestled between the Sacramento Valley and the Bay Area, Vacaville is a quiet community of over 110,000 people who celebrate many festivities all year ’round.
3. Clovis, CA. ...
4. Livingston. ...
5. Perris, CA. ...
6. Woodlake. ...
7. Fort Irwin. ...
8. Mammoth Lakes. ...
9. Oakdale. ...

More items...

What are the most expensive cities in California?

Most Expensive Towns in California

1. Newport Coast. With a median home price of $6.1 million, Newport Coast is one of the most expensive cities in California.
2. Atherton. Atherton, located in San Mateo County, has an average effective property tax rate of 0.73%, the lowest in the state.
3. Belvedere. ...
4. Ross. ...
5. Portola Valley. ...
6. Stinson Beach. ...

What are the most affordable places to live in California?

The 9 Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in California in 2022

1. Williams. We think that Williams, California is the cheapest and safest place to live in California. ...
2. Clovis. Clovis is one of the best choices for people looking for a mid-sized city that is both affordable and safe in California.
3. Rio Vista. ...
4. Chico. ...
5. Pacheco. ...
6. Oxnard. ...
7. Rancho Cucamonga. ...
8. Imperial Beach. ...
9. Oceanside. ...

Where are the cheapest homes in California?

• Studio City's Most Affordable Home Is A 2-Bedroom For $1,175,000. This unique Studio City-area estate is a true investment opportunity.
• $213K For 2 Bedroom San Francisco Condo: Short Sale. Close to Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach. ...
• Least Expensive Single-Family Home In Murrieta: $509,900. ...

What is the cheapest and safest place to live in California?

Sacramento: one of the safest places to live in California As the state capital city, Sacramento is also surprisingly one of the cheapest places to live in California. Downtown Sacramento is not that cheap, however, there are lots of smaller surrounding suburbs that have affordable rent and real estate prices.

Where is the cheapest and nicest place to live in California?

10 Most Affordable Places to Live in CaliforniaEureka. Eureka is a small town located just south of the border of Oregon. ... Redlands. A slightly larger town is Redlands, which is less than two hours from Los Angeles. ... Chico. ... Temecula. ... Oxnard. ... Vacaville. ... Camarillo. ... Blythe.More items...•

What part of Cali is the cheapest?

7 cheapest places to live in California (that are actually cool)Eureka.Oxnard.Redlands.Chico.Temecula.Clovis.Vacaville.

Where is the most affordable housing in California?

Here are the 5 most affordable cities in California:Oxnard.Ventura.Simi Valley.Vacaville.Camarillo.

Where is the safest place to live in California?

Top 10 safest places to live in CaliforniaDanville.Rancho Palos Verdes.Saratoga.Aliso Viejo.Yorba Linda.San Juan Capistrano.Orinda.Windsor.More items...•

Which city in California is the best to live?

Best Places to Live in California in 2022-2023San Jose, CA.San Francisco, CA.San Diego, CA.Sacramento, CA.Santa Barbara, CA.Los Angeles, CA.Santa Rosa, CA.

Where is it cheapest to live in Southern California?

21 Most Affordable Places to Live in Southern CaliforniaRancho Cucamonga.Temecula.Seal Beach.Redlands.Oxnard.Oceanside.El Centro.Bakersfield.More items...

Where is housing cheapest?

The cheapest states to buy a house in 2021Oklahoma: Median home price: $136,800; Estimated monthly mortgage payment: $649.95.Michigan: Median home price: $154,900; Estimated monthly mortgage payment: $735.95.Arkansas: Median home price: $127,800; Estimated monthly mortgage payment: $607.19.More items...•

What is the cheapest beach town to live in in California?

10 Cheapest Beach Towns in CaliforniaLong Beach.Santa Barbara.Crescent City.Ventura.Laguna Beach.San Pedro.Eureka.Oxnard.More items...•

Where is the safest and cheapest place to live?

10 of the cheapest and safest places to live in the worldCzech Republic.Bulgaria.Albania.Portugal.Costa Rica.Panama.Mexico.Thailand.More items...

What is the best city to live in California?

Best Places to Live in California in 2022-2023San Jose, CA.San Francisco, CA.San Diego, CA.Sacramento, CA.Santa Barbara, CA.Los Angeles, CA.Santa Rosa, CA.

Is anywhere in California affordable?

There are several inexpensive cities to live in Southern California such as Rancho Cucamonga, Yucca Valley, San Bernardino, and Bakersfield where the cost of living is relatively low. It is easier to find cheap places in Imperial county in Southern California.

What county in California has the lowest cost of living?

The county in California with the lowest cost of living is San Joaquin County. The average living wage in San Joaquin County is $101,058 according...

What is the cost of living in California?

The cost of living in California is 27.1% higher than the US average. According to MIT, the required living wage for a family of four with two work...

What is the cheapest housing market in California?

The cheapest housing market in California is Clearlake. The average home value in Clearlake is $124,400, the lowest in the state. The average home...

What is the most expensive city in California?

Here’s a look at the most expensive cities in California according to the data: 1 Coronado 2 East Palo Alto 3 Sausalito

What is the second most affordable city in California?

Coalinga, California’s “Sunny Side of the Valley,” is our second most affordable city in the The Land of Milk and Honey for 2021.

What is the cheapest place to live in California in 2021?

What is the cheapest place to live in California for 2021? According to the Census data we crunched, Ridgecrest ranks as the cheapest place to live in California. Still expensive, but cheaper than its neighbors.

What is the most affordable city in California in 2021?

Our most affordable city in California for 2021, Ridgecrest, is nestled between the Sierra Nevada, Cosos, Argus, and El Paso mountain ranges. Once a farming community, Ridgecrest's residents now find themselves working at a testing Naval Station and the Cerro Coso Community College to offset their cost of living. We know why you scored an 8/10 on our snackability scale for affordability, Ridgecrest. It shouldn't be difficult to meet your cost of living head on with the median income hanging at $69,577.

Why doesn't everyone move to California?

California is one of America’s most coveted states, so why doesn’t everyone just move there? One reason is quite obvious: California is expensive. As much as California is known as one of the most exciting places to live in America, it is also known as one of the most expensive.

Is California a big state?

California is a state that is unlike many others. It is America’s largest state, with enough enticing features to make anyone want to live there. Whether you like catching the latest wave on the California beaches, trying your luck in casinos, or even hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail, it is a state that has a little something for everyone.

Is it cheaper to live in a house with a median income of $50,000?

For example, if the median household earns $100,000 and spends $40,000 on housing it's actually cheaper to live there than a place with a median income of $50,000 and housing costs of $21,000. You might spend more on housing, but you have more money overall to play with.

These are the Cheapest Places to Live in Southern California

Industries in and around Bakersfield include natural gas and other energy extraction, mining, petroleum refining, distribution, and food processing.

1. Bakersfield

No other city in California captures its oil-rich history, Basque food scene, and country music like Bakersfield. A rapidly growing gem and one of the most affordable cities in Southern California, Bakersfield is nowadays a great city on the rise—pretty impressive for a place that was once only known for oil and agriculture.

2. Lancaster

Lancaster is located on the northern end of Los Angeles County in the Antelope Valley. As one of the cheapest cities in SoCal, Lancaster is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the City of Angels but is still close enough for day trips from L.A. whenever you feel like it.

3. Colton

Colton is a wonderful place to both visit and relocate to. Fun, beautiful, diverse, and with plenty of outdoor activities to offer, this inexpensive place to live in Southern California is one you shouldn’t be quick to dismiss.

4. Clovis

Clovis is way further up near Fresno but is still geographically classified as being more Southern than Northern California. Comfortably sized, a city for young couples raising families, and with plenty of growth potential, Clovis is commonly listed as one of the least expensive places to live in SoCal.

5. Rialto

Just 56 miles east of Los Angeles is Rialto, a charming suburban town with plenty to offer. Safe, diverse, and with a rich local culture, Rialto provides a pleasant atmosphere for all prospective inhabitants. This small town’s prices feel like a steal in comparison to its welcoming communities, outdoor activities, and strategic location.

6. Julian

Nestled in the breathtaking mountains of the affordable places to live in San Diego County, Julian is a historic gold mining town that’s unlike any other in the state. The charming California mountain town offers exactly what you need if you’re looking to get a break from bustling cities.

Is the job market in Riverside growing?

The job market is growing steadily in the greater Los Angeles area and Riverside. With solid jobs and reasonable rent prices, locals enjoy a more affordable living cost than most Southern California. Riverside locals also have their pick of job options around the County of Riverside, University of California, Riverside, and March Air Force Reserve.

Is California a cheap place to live?

California doesn't exactly boast a reputation for being a cheap place to live. Cost of living is notoriously high, especially in areas in surrounding metro areas. The good news is there are still deals to be found throughout the Golden State. Have a little flexibility in where you're moving? Here are the cheapest places to live in California.

Is Bakersfield the oil capital of the world?

Bakersfield earned the status as the Oil Capital of the World. It's a top oil-producing region globally and provides nearly 10% of the US oil supply. It created a unique community and dynamic. Instead of that California vibe, you might expect, Bakersfield feels decidedly Southern. Why? An influx of Texans rushed to Bakersfield during the turn of the 20th century to try their luck at finding some "black gold."

Is Chico a good place to visit?

Chico is an idyllic option for all ages looking for outdoor recreation and proximity to nature. The oversized Bidwell Park has something for everyone with a golf course, observatory, and wooded trails. Chico also boasts family-friendly attractions, including the Gateway Science Museum with hands-on exhibits and a National Yo-Yo Museum. The city encourages locals to use bicycles and provides accommodations on roads, bike racks throughout the Downtown area, paths, and bike lanes.

Is Sacramento a good place to live?

Sacramento is home to picture-perfect neighborhoods and urban appeal. Young professionals and college students choose Downtown and Midtown for the eclectic atmosphere and community. You're never far from pubs and trendy eateries, as well as tattoo shops. Walking is the norm, and residents walk to work and enjoy the California weather.

Is Fresno a small town?

Fresno is situated in the San Joaquin Valley and boasts big city amenities with small-town charm. You'll find all of the shopping and dining you want, as well as a tight-knit community vents and quaint farmer's markets. Young professionals move to Fresno to grow their careers at Aetna, the Air National Guard, and California State University. Fresno is also popular with students at home to seven colleges, including California State University and Fresno Pacific University.

Is Bakersfield a pass through city?

Bakersfield was once a pass-through city. The city is full of almond groves, farms, and oil fields, and its population is booming. The city is adopting a trendier vibe, although it's still laid-back and embraces its country roots.

Which is the cheapest city to live in California?

Bakersfield is arguably the cheapest city to live in California, with many neighborhoods having available housing stock under $200,000.

Which state has the most expensive housing?

California is infamously one of the most expensive states to live in America. Housing prices are just a part of that. There are also utility costs, regulations, daily food, and transportation costs, and crippling state income and property taxes.

How many people live in California in 2019?

As of 2019, there were 39.5 million people living in California. It was estimated that the coronavirus pandemic decreased the number of people living in California. The most recent unofficial census data showed there were about 39,538,223 people living in California.

Where is the capital of California?

Sacramento is the state capital. As the rest of California and its most famous cities have become more expensive, so have house prices here. Home prices here are on par with Clovis, at just over $430,000. Don’t expect to find any cheap rentals either. More affordable homes in Sacramento may be found in Tahoe Park South, Colonial Heights, and North Oak Park.

Is Chico more affordable than Fontana?

Chico has been slightly more affordable than Fontana, though average home prices can still be close to $430,000. You may find house deals for closer to half that amount in close by cities like Biggs, Los Molinos, Corning, Oroville, Magalia, and Gridley.

Is it expensive to buy a house in California?

It’s no secret that housing is incredibly expensive in CA. Fortunately, this list also reveals there may be many cities and neighborhoods in California which are far cheaper for buying homes than you imagined. Get in touch with an UpNest Realtor today to start showings of your favorite properties and save big on real estate commissions.

Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in California – Methodology

Before we unveil our list of the cheapest and safest places to live in California, we wanted to let you know how we came to our findings so that you understand where our data came from and can be confident in our results.

The 9 Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in California in 2022

Oceanside kicks off our list of the cheapest and safest places to live in California. It’s not exactly super cheap, with home values almost at the $700k mark, but it offers a ton of things to do.

Most Affordable and Safest Places to Live in California – Summary

We hope that this list gives you a good idea where you can affordably live in California while still feeling safe.

Where to live near the beach in California?

Oceano offers a strong balance of value and the beach life in California for those looking to save some cash, making it one the most affordable places to live in California near the beach. 4. Arcata. Arcata is located in Northern California in Humboldt County, about 5 hours north of San Francisco.

Where is Long Beach in LA?

Here is another neighborhood directly within Los Angeles. Long Beach is the largest place on this list and is located in South LA, right next to San Pedro and just 20 minutes away from its much pricier neighbors of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach.

Which is better, Oceano or Grover Beach?

Generally, Oceano has fewer amenities than Grover Beach. It offers fewer restaurants and stores compared to Grover Beach, which features the area’s Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Vons, and Aldi. So, you would need to drive a bit further to get to these places.

Where is Imperial Beach in San Diego?

Location: Check on Google Maps. Imperial Beach is a residential community in San Diego that is just 15 minutes from downtown San Diego. It is also only 10 minutes away from the Mexican border. Residents can take long strolls along the beach as well as enjoy the southernmost pier in California.

Where to spend time in Tijuana?

Additionally, you can spend time at the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, which is an excellent place for hikers and bikers to enjoy nature.

Where is San Pedro in Los Angeles?

San Pedro is a neighborhood in the south part of Los Angeles that sits right on the beach. Since it is in LA, the median home prices are still quite high, but the rest of the costs are actually close to the state average. It is one of Los Angeles’ busiest port towns, yet still feels like a small beach town.

Is Oxnard a good place to live?

Oxnard represents a great value, especially considering everything it has to offer. Residents can enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities on the beach or around the famous Channel Islands Harbor. There is also a historic downtown that is packed with charming little restaurants and boutiques. It even has its own airport and two automotive museums.