California, the golden state of the United States, is the third most expensive state to live in the country. It is a dream place to live for many for its stunning beaches, beautiful mountains, and year-round moderate temperature. In this post, I’m here to tell you where are the cheapest places to live in California. Show
If you are a budget traveler there is no shortage of cheap places to visit in California. But it is not that easy to find a cheap place in California if you have a dream to live here.  My goal was to provide you with a truly comprehensive idea of affordable California cities to live in. To achieve this I collaborated with fellow travel bloggers and worked together to compile a list of the most affordable places to live in California. PIN IT FOR LATER… This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay any extra penny, but I’ll get a small commission that encourages me to deliver more helpful content for you. #1 OXNARDOxnard, a beach city in Ventura County with 200,000 residents, is located 60 miles from Los Angeles and 38 miles from Santa Barbara. Why It is Cheap? Even though the city has a sizable population, prices have remained affordable when compared to other places in Southern California. Family homes can be found in the mid 400s and a one-bedroom apartment can be rented for $1,400 per month (or less). Utilities and transportation are lower than the state median. Oxnard is an agricultural hub. Because of this, there is an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables all year round. This is a great way for residents to balance their food budgets. Oxnard is also considered as one of the cheapest places to live in California near the beach. A lot of people choose to have a beach house (secondary house) in Oxnard. In some areas within walking distance to the water, houses are for sale between $300,000 and $500,000. Nearby Sightseeing The number of things to do in Oxnard is high. The city counts with 20 miles of beaches, a harbor, and plenty of water-related activities (kayaking, deep-sea fishing, whale watching). From the harbor, you can visit the Channel Islands National Park, an archipelago dubbed the “Galapagos of North America.” Other attractions include Heritage Square, two automotive museums, wine tasting rooms, breweries, and shopping venues. When it comes to food, restaurants in the city showcase multicultural hues. You can enjoy Mexican, Brazilian, Italian, Japanese, and American cuisines. Cost of Living in OxnardThe California Budget Center estimates a single adult needs $2,200 per month to cover costs in Oxnard. This budget includes housing, utilities, food, health care, transportation, miscellaneous, and taxes. Ventura County shines when it comes to the manufacturing, retail, tourism, agriculture, defense, and healthcare industries. On the other hand, the area is not strong when it comes to technological industries such as e-commerce, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and advertising.
Pros and Cons of Living in Oxnard
Recommended By: Ruth Rieckehoff #2 Cheapest Places to Live in California: RANCHO CUCAMONGARancho Cucamonga is a city located about halfway between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, along Route 66. Nestled in the foothills of the mountains, this once a large wine-producing region has turned into a growing metropolis that is a perfect stop on a road trip and an affordable place to live in California. Why It is Cheap? This area is much more affordable than living in Los Angeles, and it is still close enough to commute into LA for work. The train runs into Los Angeles and it takes a little over an hour to reach Union Station. If driving, you can be in Downtown LA in 50 minutes. Nearby Sightseeing Rancho Cucamonga has a few local historical museums and hiking options. The John Rains House gives an overview of the history of the area. The most popular hiking trail, the Etiwanda Preserve, is perfect for an afternoon hike. There are even several local wineries to go wine tasting at. It is very easy to take a weekend trip to Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs, or the Los Angeles area. Cost of Living in Rancho CucamongaRancho Cucamonga is one of the cheapest cities to live in Southern California where you can expect to spend $2000 monthly for your rent, utilities, and food. Rancho Cucamonga contains multiple unique and local places to eat. The newly opened Haven City Market offers a variety of food vendors. Vince’s Spaghetti and the Sycamore Inn are also classic joints locals love. Rancho also contains several chain hotels to stay in.
Pros and Cons of Living in Rancho Cucamonga
Recommended By: Francesca Makana #3 BAKERSFIELDBakersfield is probably one of the most affordable places to live in California that is also a fairly big city with over 300,000 residents. Why It is Cheap For those who are accustomed to living along the coast in California, they will find Bakersfield as “sub-par” to live in comparison to big-city amenities such as Los Angeles. However, if you’re looking for an inexpensive place to live in California that is within 2-3 hours driving distance to some of the golden state’s best attractions, then you might just love it. Bakersfield does not have big-city vibes and is more of a suburban community supported by agriculture and the oil industry. Please note that Bakersfield can be unbearable in summer. The high temperature in summer in many California cities is one of the reasons for me to regret moving to California. It’s also at the gateway to the Sierra Nevada Mountains making it an easy weekend trip to some amazing hiking adventures like hiking Mount Whitney (the highest peak in California and the lower 48 states), which is only a 3-hour drive from Bakersfield. If you live in Los Angeles, you would be driving upwards of 4-7 hours (depending on traffic) just to make the same trip. Nearby Sightseeing Likewise, Bakersfield is only 2-3 hours from the coast, great wineries, big cities, and national parks. There are even some local parks like the Wind Wolves Preserve and local breweries in the Kern Canyon like Kern River Brewing Company that are only an hour’s drive from Bakersfield. Undoubtedly, Bakersfield is one of the best places to live in California on a budget. If you’re looking for a place to live that’s not only affordable but a close escape to weekend adventures, then Bakersfield is a great choice. Cost of Living in BakersfieldThe average cost of living is around $1700-2200 per month. If you’re looking for the cheapest places to buy a house in California, Bakersfield makes for an excellent choice.
Pros and Cons of Living in Bakersfield
Recommended By: Allison #4 CLEARLAKEThe city of Clearlake is in Lake County in Northern California, approximately 110 miles north of San Francisco. The city itself is not densely populated with an estimated population of 15,250. Why It is Cheap If you are finding cities with the lowest cost of living in California, Clearlake is one of them. Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living and median home prices are very favorable for individuals in Clearlake at around $107,531. You may also be able to find a property with acreage that will allow you to build or farm. Dining out is very affordable, as there are not too many high ends, expensive restaurants in the city as you may find in larger cities. If you have taste for gourmet foods, then a short drive to the nearby Napa Valley is a great option. Nearby Sightseeing Life in Clearlake is relatively laid back. Recreational options are high on the aquatic side due to having the luxury of California’s largest natural lake Clear Lake being here. Activities range from fishing, boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, and sailing. If hiking is your thing you can take in the nature trail walk at historic Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, one of the best hiking trails in California. You can also take a short 20-minute drive to Kelseyville and take the Mt. Konocti trail hike. You will be amazed by the view overlooking Clear Lake There are no large retail stores in Clearlake, other than Walmart. So, you will have to drive over an hour out of town to Ukiah or Santa Rosa if that is what you are after. Cost of Living in ClearlakeBased on all these factors, a single individual could be able to live comfortably on an average of a budget of around $2,300 a month. That may be favorable for some individuals, but not all. It is all about your preferences and needs.
Pros and Cons of Living in Clearlake
Recommended By: Mike Holland from The Hollapinos #5 OCEANSIDEIf you want to live close to the coast in San Diego County, you’re going to be paying a pretty penny to do so. But those who have been keeping an eye on San Diego real estate and rentals no doubt notice that the city of Oceanside often has much more affordable housing than even popular Carlsbad Village, just to its south. Why It is Cheap Luckily, many of the restaurants and bars from years past still are operating in Oceanside. They provide laidback and affordable places for brunch or a place to meet up with friends after work. Oceanside is the northernmost city in San Diego County and is just south of Camp Pendleton, a military base. Above all, it is a relatively safe place to live in California at cheap. Oceanside has long had a bit of a wild reputation, but in the past decade it has cleaned up its act and the downtown area has undergone a massive revitalization, turning into a hip and happening place. Nearby Sightseeing It’s now home to some of the best restaurants in North County San Diego, has a popular beer trail, and a gorgeous long, sandy beach that is also home to a lovely pier that you can walk down and even get a milkshake from the Ruby’s Diner on the end of the pier. Cost of Living in OceansideOceanside is one of the best affordable places to live in California. An expat can live for less than $2400 per month in the inland valley of Oceanside.
Pros and Cons of Living in Oceanside
Recommended By: Gina Tarnacki #6 Most Affordable Places to Live in California: SACRAMENTOSurprising to see that the capital of the Golden State is indeed one of the best affordable place to live in California. Located in the center of the state and in between the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe, Sacramento has a fantastic quality of life and is still affordable. Significantly, there you can find lots of free things to do in Sacramento. Why It is Cheap Good jobs, affordable property values, and outdoor lifestyles make the city a wonderful place for families, multi-generational families, and even solo professionals enjoying the lifestyle in this city. You can check out CalCareers and Indeed to find the best suitable jobs for you. Good paying jobs with state and local government, hi-tech companies, biotech, and a diversified economic base affords a good employment base and opportunities to afford a very comfortable lifestyle in the city and that makes it one of the cheapest places to live in Northern California. Nearby Sightseeing One of the definite advantages of living midway in the state is the access to mountains in the Sierra and outdoor adventures and also an easy drive to the Bay Area for urban culture, historic sites, and other big city exploration. Sacramento itself has lots of interests and attractions being the capital city of the state. You can check out what to do in Sacramento here for all of the fantastic attractions, landmarks, and historic places of interest along with some quirky and fun places to explore around the city. Cost of Living in SacramentoIf you are looking for a 1 bedroom, expect to pay near around $2300 per month which is pretty typical for the downtown/midtown area for nice apartments. You will get a cheaper option on the outskirts of Sacramento, Suburbs, or surrounding areas where you can easily find 1 bedroom for $1200–1800.
Pros and Cons of Living in Sacramento
Recommended By: Noel Morata Read Next: 8 Cheapest Places to Live in Hawaii #7 SAN DIEGOSan Diego is not cheap. So why is it mentioned on this list of Cheapest places to Live in Southern California? Because luckily, there are quite a few pockets in and near San Diego that are still affordable to live in. Read Also: San Diego Souvenirs – What to Buy from San Diego? Why It is Cheap Barrio Logan is a neighborhood right next to downtown, some of it even within walking distance. The neighborhood is really up and coming and has some nice restaurants, taco shops, bars, and taprooms, as well as lots of cheap markets. Rent starts at $800 for a 1 bedroom 1 bath, which is really great for Southern California and especially such proximity to downtown. Tips: While most of Barrio Logan is safe, be aware that there are some areas that have higher crime rates and also gang activity, so I recommend you get to know the area first before you rent a place. La Mesa is a few miles inland and is a great family-friendly neighborhood in California that is still very affordable. A 1 bedroom 1 bathroom will start between $700-800 per month. Unless you go during rush hour, you can get to downtown or the beaches within 20 minutes, so it is still very centrally located. La Mesa also has a cute little Main Street with shops and restaurants that make it a fun place to live in San Diego. If you are ok with sharing an apartment and want to live near bars and beaches, I highly recommend finding a shared apartment in Pacific Beach. This is where many college kids live and finding roommates will be easy. There are a ton of bars and you are within biking distance to the beach. A private room in a shared apartment will start at around $900-1200. Nearby Sightseeing There are plenty of free things to do in San Diego including Balboa Park, La Jolla Cove, and ample hiking trails, and gorgeous beaches. It is also considered one of the best weekend getaways in California. Cost of Living in San DiegoSan Diego comes out as slightly more expensive compared to the other cities on the list, but it makes up for the excellent regulatory framework. Expect to pay a minimum of around $2200-2600 per month to live in San Diego comfortably.
Pros and Cons of Living in San Diego
Recommended By: Maria Haase, San Diego Explorer Read Also: 10 Most Popular Places to Live in Southern California #8 SLAB CITYTruly, if you are looking for the cheapest places to live in California for seniors, it doesn’t get any cheaper than Slab City. Nicknamed “The Last Free Place in America,” Slab City really takes FREE to heart. The small town is more of a large community compound, inhabited largely by snowbirds and the few hundred people who live there year-round. Why It is Cheap The origins of Slab City are pretty interesting, as it is technically on government-owned land and is the remnants of an old marine training base. After World War II, the military pulled out of the area and left behind giant slabs, where the town’s name originates. These slabs attracted RVers and snowbirds, who eventually settled in the area and began to set up permanent camps which attracted more and more individuals. The residents of slab city live in old buses, tents, trailers, and other makeshift homes – all rent-free. But even freedom has a price, as there is no running water, electricity, sewage lines, wifi, or cell phone service. It’s extremely simple to live in Slab City if you don’t mind off-the-grid living! Just find an open plot of land and set up your camp. Slab City is about an hour from Palm Springs and two hours from San Diego. Though grocery shopping can be done in any of the nearby towns! Nearby Sightseeing While Slab City is essentially in the middle of the desert in Imperial County, there are a few cool sightseeing spots nearby. The first, Slab City itself, which is home to Salvation Mountain and an incredible collection of contemporary art pieces and installations that spark discussions and challenge mainstream societal beliefs. It is also close to the Salton Sea, the cities of Coachella Valley, and the California-Mexico border! Pros and Cons of Living in Slab City
Recommended By: Kay #9 LONG BEACHCalifornia is known for being one of the most expensive places in the United States. Fortunately, there are a few great places that are considered affordable. Long Beach must be on your list if you’re looking for the cheapest places to rent in California. It is a laid-back, fun, progressive, and active city in Los Angeles County. If you find yourself in Los Angeles with family, be sure to make a stop in Long Beach which is one of the cheapest cities to live in California. Why It is Cheap? Depending on the specific area of the city you decide to live in, public transportation is easily accessible and inexpensive. If you are close to Downtown Long Beach trains are the easiest way to get around the city. The other most popular option is buses, but it is more convenient to get around the city by cars. Nearby Sightseeing There are a lot of popular activities such as Pride, concerts at the Convention Center, the Queen Mary, the Pike, amazing food, fun beaches, and festivals. There is always something to do in Long Beach on any given weekend. One of my favorite things about this city is the people. Most people you encounter are happy and will have a smile on their face. It is also a city that is very dog friendly and Rosie’s Dog Beach is one of the best dog beaches in California. If you have a four-legged friend this is the place to be. Please Note: There are a few cons about Long Beach. The major pain point is the lack of parking in some areas. If you have a car you may have to pay a monthly fee for parking. Also, the small-town feel has been overshadowed over the last few years with the increase of businesses in the area. Cost of Living in Long BeachLong Beach is one of the cheapest and safest places to live in California. You can live on a monthly budget of $2,600 per month. Please remember, that everyone’s budget is different depending on their lifestyle.
Pros and Cons of Living in Long Beach
Recommended By: Cee Lewis #10 FRESNOIt is a fact in California that the closer to the ocean you are, the more expensive the city is to live in. If you like sunny weather, Fresno can be a perfect place for you to live in California at cheap. Fresno is never too cold, or wet although it is pretty hot in the summer. Smog and crime rate can be your headache, but if you consider living near the California State University area, it can be a great place to live with beautiful surroundings. Why It is Cheap? San Joaquin Valley is also known as the agricultural center of California where 90 % of the entire United States fruits and vegetables are grown. The average rate for a one-bedroom apartment is very cheap and can be found within $800. The city is laid out on a grid and the topography is flat, so it’s easy to find your way around in Fresno. Nearby Sightseeing Fresno has plenty of things to do for all ages. Fresno is a place that is within two hours of three national parks, three hours from Los Angeles, and three hours to San Francisco, two hours to the Pacific Ocean, and some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. The proximity to the magnificent nearby sightseeing is the main advantage of staying in Fresno. Cost of Living in FresnoThe cost of living is reasonable compared to other parts of California. From a one-bedroom apartment to grocery and clothes, everything is affordable in Fresno. You can expect to live here for less than $2100 per month.
Pros and Cons of Living in Fresno
So, it is very much possible to live in California without breaking your bank. I hope you’ve found this guide to the cheapest places to live in California useful. As always, I would love to hear from you! Let us know if you are planning to move any of these cheapest cities to live in California. You May Also Like
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheapest Places to Live in California1. Where are the cheapest places to live in California by the beach?Ventura in Los Angeles is an affordable California beach town to live in if you want to be somewhere with beautiful views and charming weather. Some other inexpensive coastal cities to live in California are Long Beach, San Pedro, and Eureka. If you can apply your bargaining skill efficiently, finding a cheap place in California near the beach is not a big deal. 2. What are the cheapest and safest places to live in California?Finding a cheap but safe place in California can be painful. Long Beach can be an ideal option for you. However, I will recommend getting a local who can help you to find the right place and can guide you away from some of the high crime areas. 3. What are the affordable family-friendly places to live in California?If you are planning to move to California with family, Bakersfield could the place for its affordability, weather, and countless family-friendly fun activities. 4. Where is the cheapest place to live in Southern California?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. 5. What is the cheap place to live in California for college students?Fresno is rapidly becoming popular among college goers. It is an affordable college town in California where utilities, healthcare and transportation costs all average less than the national average. 6. Where is the most affordable place to live in Northern California?Sacramento, Sonoma, Eureka, and Clearlake are relatively inexpensive to live than other places in Northern California. 7. What are the cheapest places to live in California near San Diego?Barrio Logan and La Mesa are just a few miles away from San Diego where you can find 1 bedroom apartment at $700-800. Where in California is it cheaper to buy a car?Southern California (SoCal) is known for a lot of things such as its beautiful weather and natural attractions. However, did you know that Southern California is also one of the best places to get the best car deals?
Where is the least expensive place to buy a car?And the Cheapest State to Buy a Car is…
New Hampshire is the overall winner in the cheapest state to buy a car race because of the state's super low registration fees, and no sales tax. Florida slides into second place with a diverse inventory, and car prices that are 10% below the national average.
Is California a good place to buy a car?On the other hand, California is the worst state for the initial vehicle cost. California has an overall high cost of living, and there is a much smaller market for used vehicles. This makes their prices much higher and the competition for them fiercer.
What city in the US has the cheapest cars?The cheapest city to buy a used car might surprise you, as its cost of living is pretty high. However, Miami, Florida comes in as the cheapest city for used cars. Rounding out the top 5 cheapest cities for used cars are Cleveland, Ohio; Akron, Ohio; Stamford, Connecticut; and New York, New York.
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Cheapest city in california to buy a car
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