Many people seek the ideal spot to call home in California, but they are well aware of how expensive it has grown to live in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The third most costly state of living in is California. With typical property prices of $683,996 and infamously high living costs across the state, you might be put off by relocating to California. There are, however, a number of affordable California communities with safe neighborhoods and great West Coast amenities. California’s cities have the lowest cost of living when compared to other U.S. metro areas. San Diego, for example, is 18% less expensive than the national average. The median property price in Napa County is also lower.
The unemployment rate is currently at 6.7%. Vallejo, Santa Rosa-Petaluma, and Sacramento are among the top cities with the lowest cost of living. The lowest cost of living in California is in other cities. The Central Valley’s housing and food expenditures are 2.5 percent and 10.1 percent lower, respectively than the national average. These cities are more expensive than the national average, but they are also less expensive than other U.S. metro regions. These cities, on the other hand, have greater taxation and unemployment than other metropolitan regions in the United States. California’s cities have the lowest cost of living when compared to other U.S. metro areas. San Diego, for example, is 18% less expensive than the national average. The median property price in Napa County is also lower. The unemployment rate is currently at 6.7%. Vallejo, Santa Rosa-Petaluma, and Sacramento are among the top cities with the lowest cost of living.
California’s Cheapest Places to Live
Bakersfield
California’s ninth-largest city and one of the states cheapest is a fast-rising city roughly two hours from Los Angeles. Bakersfield’s oil and agriculture sectors offer affordable housing and work prospects for families relocating to California. Residents of the low-cost West Coast city enjoy a family-friendly environment. The median purchase price of a home is $214,600, and the median monthly rent is $1,005. Bakersfield’s recommended wage is $3,402 per month or $40,827 yearly. This figure is a wage that would allow a renter to cover the $1,031 median rent for a one-bedroom apartment. The average salary in Bakersfield, however, is $68,134, allowing people to live well. Bakersfield is less expensive than the rest of California. Buying a home in Bakersfield is substantially less expensive than in Los Angeles.
Chico
You’ll find a fantastic, cheap California community to plant roots in less than two hours from Sacramento in gorgeous Chico! Chico, known as the “City of Trees,” is awash in pink and white almond blossoms. The cornerstone of this town is California State University, Chico, which is a key lure for individuals seeking degrees in the school’s top-rated nursing and fine arts programs. Suppose the beautiful trees and easy access to higher education aren’t enough to persuade you that Chico is a terrific place to live, the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. headquarters, and the indie craft beer community that goes with it could. The median home price is $270,900, with a monthly rent of $955. The unemployment rate is 6%.
Clovis
The median purchase price of a home is $263,500, and the median monthly rent is $1,093. The crime rate is lower than 44% of the cities in the United States. The unemployment rate is 5%. Clovis is one of the cheapest cities in California to live in if you’re looking for a cheap location to live in. This central California city, which is part of the Fresno metro, is a good size, full of young families, and only three hours from both San Jose and Yosemite National Park. Clovis also benefits from the fertile soil of the San Joaquin Valley, which means fresh vegetables and lots of labor in the agriculture business all year. Clovis is a cheap California city you’ll enjoy, with highly rated schools, lovely weather, and economical housing.
Eureka
Eureka, a community in Lake County, is an excellent spot to invest in real estate. It has a pleasant year-round average temperature and is surrounded by state and redwood parks. Its seaside location makes it ideal for outdoor leisure, and many of the homes are located near the water. The median purchase price of a home is $241,700, and the median monthly rent is $844. Crime Rate: Less than 4% of American cities are safe. The unemployment rate is 6%. Living on the West Coast doesn’t always mean sunburns and high prices. With rolling fog from the ocean and fresh air from Redwood National and State Parks, this cheap California port community maintains an average temperature of around 50 degrees all year. It’s one of the most affordable areas to live in Northern California while still being breathtakingly beautiful. Eureka is notable for its exquisite Victorian architecture as well as being a major producer of oysters. This quirky seaside town, located halfway between San Francisco and Portland, is one of the most affordable places to live in California.
Fontana
Fontana is the place to be if you want to live in a fast-paced but affordable California city. These West Coasters are proud of their reputation as a fast-paced metropolis! Fontana was once known for drag racing, and the tradition lives on today at Auto Club Speedway, which hosts NASCAR and IndyCar races. Fontana, which is just outside of the Los Angeles metro area, is an excellent place to live cheaply in California while still being accessible to everything the city has to offer. You’ll be able to get work in the local healthcare business and with regional trucking companies, as well as be close to the beach and eat delicious food. The median purchase price of a home is $289,400, and the median monthly rent is $1,167. The crime rate is lower than 37% of the cities in the United States. 6.7 percent is the unemployment rate. In this city, the median home costs around $140,000. It’s a small town on the outskirts of the lake. Despite its modest size, the town has a high quality of life. Aside from the beach, the city is known for its outstanding restaurants and is close to various hiking routes. Although the cost of living in the San Francisco metro region is relatively low, it is still worthwhile to put in the extra effort to discover a nice spot to live in.
Oxnard
The median purchase price of a home is $362,900, and the median monthly rent is $1,396. The crime rate is lower than 33% of the cities in the United States. 5.7 percent unemployment rate. This is the place to go if you’re seeking a hidden coastal gem with affordable beachfront properties in one of the cheapest California cities. Oxnard, located northwest of Los Angeles along miles of sparsely populated coast, is one of Southern California’s most affordable cities. With easy access to the ocean, job opportunities in agriculture and forestry, degree advancement opportunities through nearby Oxnard College, and quirky local festivals like the California Strawberry Festival, this low-cost SoCal city is a terrific place to call home.
Redlands
The median purchase price of a home is $326,800, and the median monthly rent is $1,177. The crime rate is lower than 25% of the cities in the United States. 4.1 percent is the unemployment rate. Redlands, located just outside of the Los Angeles metro area, is one of the most affordable cities in Southern California. Not only does Redlands have easy access to outdoor activity in the San Bernardino Mountains, but it also has beautiful sites like Panorama Point and spectacular Victorian-style homes that have been featured on T.V. shows such as America’s Castles! The University of Redlands, which attracts students and those interested in working in education, is also located in Redlands. Redlands provides something for everyone moving to the West Coast in search of a low-cost but comfortable place to live.
Vacaville
The median purchase price of a home is $322,600, and the median monthly rent is $1,416. The crime rate is lower than 31% of the cities in the United States. The unemployment rate is 4%. Sunny Vacaville is one of the most affordable areas to live on the West Coast, as it is part of both the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. Several uncommon and endangered plant species, such as the dwarf calico flower and Contra Costa goldfields, can be found in this NorCal hidden gem’s parks and trails. But, most importantly, Vacaville is an ideal area to raise a family, thanks to its safety and excellent schools, which is why so many young professionals and families are flocking to the city.
Sacramento
Sacramento is the cheapest city in the state when compared to the typical U.S. metro. Housing costs in the Sacramento area are lower than the national average but remain higher than the national average when compared to other California towns. Rent prices can vary greatly depending on your budget and the type of unit you’re searching for. One-bedroom apartments in Sacramento are about 824 square feet and cost more than two-or three-bedroom apartments. This city is rapidly expanding and contains some of the state’s cheapest housing. The cost of living here is still lower than the national average, despite being higher than the national average. This city’s housing costs are linked to housing and are 60% more than the national average. In reality, the cost of living in Sacramento is the lowest.
Hanford
The median home price in Hanford, about 110 miles north of San Francisco, is $140,000. The lake is the center of many activities in this city, including kayaking, swimming, and fishing. San Francisco’s nightlife is well-known, yet it is not particularly thrilling. Hanford residents enjoy a minimal suburban vibe, and the majority of residents own their homes. There are numerous parks in Hanford. Hanford is home to a large number of families, and people tend to hold moderate political views. Hanford’s public schools are above average.
Central Valley
The Central Valley has the lowest cost of living in California. In this city, the median property price is around $170,000, while the median household income is $51,538. The average monthly rent is $883. If you want to live in California for the least amount of money, this is the place to be. If you live in the Bay Area, the state has a low cost of living. The Central Valley’s comparatively low cost of living makes it ideal for young families on a tight budget. They can locate new houses for sale that meet both their finances and their wants, which is something that is difficult to achieve in most places in California. Grocery shopping, dining out, entertainment, and other daily necessities are all cheaper in the Central Valley.
Stockton
The cost of living in Stockton, California, is 17% more than the national average. The cost of living in any given place varies depending on a variety of factors, such as your profession, the average pay in that area, and the real estate market in that area. The median home value is $464,980; rent with a monthly payment of $1,457. The bill for energy monthly rent is $196.83. The bill for the phone is $209.82. The cost of gas is $3.13. Food and groceries—the cost of groceries in Stockton is 16 percent more than the national average. A bread loaf for $3.85, a gallon of milk for $2.24, eggs in a carton for $2.09, bananas in a bunch for $3.89, and a hamburger for $4.91.
Transportation
There are budget-friendly ways of transport in California.
Metro
It’s incredible that you can get from one side of the county to the other for only $1.75 via Metro. However, because your time is vital, understanding where and when to use L.A. County’s subways, light rail, and buses are essential.
Local Bus Network
Local bus networks, such as those in Santa Monica, Culver City, Burbank, Glendale, and the Beach Cities, operate their own local routes, which cost roughly a dollar to board. If you’re coming from a Metro bus or rail line, a non-Metro bus transfer will only cost you 50 cents on your TAP Card. These local lines can also be extremely beneficial for getting to some of the city’s most popular attractions: a DASH bus from Los Feliz to the Griffith Observatory costs only 35 cents.
Bike and Scooter Rentals on a Short-Term Basis
Electric scooters that can be picked up and dropped off anywhere in the city appeared to have taken over the city’s pavements all of a sudden. But things have calmed down since then, and to be honest, they’re actually rather handy. Both Lyft and Bird offer scooters for 39 cents per minute with a $3.50 minimum in the Westside, Central L.A., and Downtown L.A. In Santa Monica, Lyft also offers e-bikes for 34 cents a minute. Lime provides similar services, with locations in the Valley and Long Beach. Scooters cost $1, to begin with, then 39 cents every minute after that.
The FlyAway Bus from LAX
Although the number of routes available has decreased over time, the FlyAway Bus to and from LAX remains one of the best travel-centric transit options in town. A $9.75 ticket will get you a seat on a nice charter bus that leaves Union Station and Van Nuys every half hour and stops at each terminal at the airport.
Insurance Options
Some of the insurance policies that are friendlier to your pockets are available. A low-cost individual health insurance plan in each state costs around $336 per month for the most affordable Bronze plan. Many people, however, do not have to pay the whole fee. Those with low incomes can either acquire free or low-cost insurance through Medicaid or pay a discounted rate on marketplace plans with premium tax credits. An individual earning $35,000 per year, for example, would spend $47 per month on average for the least expensive Bronze plan in each state.
COBRA Insurance
In California, COBRA insurance is available. It is accessible in California and is required to be offered by employers. If you are fired or leave your job, COBRA insurance permits you to keep your group insurance coverage for a set period of time. This insurance can only be extended if the employee and their dependents have gone through a qualifying life event.
Bronze
Bronze is recommended for those who are youthful and healthy. The lowest monthly prices are found in bronze plans, but they also have the highest deductibles. These low-cost plans are suitable for people who are in good health and do not anticipate substantial medical expenses during the year. Preventive care is included in the bronze plans. However, because the deductibles are typical $6,000 to $8,000, you’ll have to pay for more of your medical care before the plan’s cost-sharing advantages kick in.
Conclusion
Healthcare expenses account for a considerable portion of the overall cost of living. If you relocate to another state, your capacity to purchase healthcare, as well as your ability to obtain treatment, are major markers of how much you will pay for this vital resource. The rates set for insurance coverage in a state, as well as the out-of-pocket payments that must be paid by you when receiving care, are used to determine affordability. Your cost of living will rise if rates or out-of-pocket expenses are high. When considering where to live in California, the best spot to seek the lowest cost of living is inland. The state’s inland region is fairly affordable, and many areas are within easy driving distance of popular tourist destinations. You can even turn it into a road trip by listening to podcasts and adding to a banging California playlist to get a true feel for the state. If you wish to avoid the high expense of living in major cities, California has several smaller, less populous regions that can provide an affordable living.
