Best Affordable Places to Live in California in 2024

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Just a couple of hours north of Los Angeles, Bakersfield is so much more than a Central Valley suburb. For one thing, it’s been a pioneer city in the world of country music, with artists like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard championing the Bakersfield sound. The region produces 80% of the nation’s carrots, along with garlic, tomatoes, and many other vegetable crops. And get this: The rapidly growing city is a low-key hub for Basque cuisine and culture.

Best of all, it’s an awesome spot for those looking to live an affordable life on the west coast, with a cost of living just slightly above the national median.

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Farmers markets, art galleries, and a range of festivals make Modesto an excellent choice for those hoping to make a California life with their wallets in mind. And with a population of more than 200,000, you’ll find no shortage of peers to celebrate alongside.

Star Wars creator George Lucas hails from Modesto. The city is also known for its classic car culture, 150 miles of biking and hiking trails, the Gallo Winery (one of the world’s largest), and proximity to one of Yosemite National Park’s entrances.

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Home to Chico State, one of the more popular options in the California State University system, Chico has plenty to offer for those beyond their college years, too. It’s the perfect combination of city to-dos and outdoor landscapes that offer plenty of recreational opportunities — and the cost of living is among the lowest in the state.

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It can be a little hard to believe life feels so much slower just 80 miles east of the Bay Area, but it’s true. From its museums and cultural attractions to its walkable waterfront — not to mention a catfish-stocked lake for fishing — there’s truly something for everyone in this Central Valley gem.

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California’s capital has a lot to offer — not least of which is its relatively affordable lifestyle. With a population of more than half a million, Sacramento residents can enjoy a truly cosmopolitan existence complete with plenty of fine dining options and museums, all without paying LA or SF prices.

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For southern California families, it’s hard to do better than Chula Vista, a San Diego-area community that offers plenty of kid-friendly activities at a lower-than-San-Diego price. The Lemon Capital boasts some of the best year-round weather on the planet, and attractions like Sesame Place, Eucalyptus Skateboard Park, and the U.S. Olympic Training Center.

Plus, kids growing up this close to the border have a great opportunity to become bilingual and enjoy the influence of multiple cultures.

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A suburb of Fresno, Clovis is a Central Valley town that offers some of the most affordable California living. Families looking for a home in California will appreciate its highly ranked public schools. And did we mention it’s one of the most affordable places to live in California?

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The best Sacramento suburb for those hoping to start a family, Elk Grove boasts plenty of city parks, family-friendly events, and easy access to the big-city amenities of the nearby capital. And of course, its housing market remains relatively affordable compared to other California cities.

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Just about at the midway point between San Francisco and San Jose, Redwood City offers affordable(ish) housing — at least in the context of other nearby Bay Area communities — combined with a school system that will attract parents looking for a good education for their kids. For parents hoping to raise their children in a place with plenty of nearby career opportunities and natural diversions, it’s hard to argue with this town.

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For a city with LA proximity, Santa Clarita is in the lead for families — thanks in part to its relatively affordable housing market and in part to its numerous parks and playgrounds. Surrounded by wilderness, Santa Clarita gives kids a wild and wonderful place to grow up.

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Once again, California’s state capital makes our list, thanks to its ample population size and relatively low cost of living. Plus, the city offers a wide array of nightlife opportunities for those looking to mix and mingle. Back in 2002, Time Magazine declared Sacramento America’s most diverse city. More recently, the City of Trees has become known for its “farm-to-fork” food scene and high culture, including opera, ballet, and several theater companies.

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The median age in Bakersfield is just over 31, so young adults don’t have to worry about whether they’ll find peers to befriend (and more). Plus, with plenty of job opportunities in healthcare, retail, and education, many young adults will find gainful employment in this part of the Central Valley.

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Perfect for the 20-40 crowd who wants to be Bay Area–adjacent without being in the Bay Area, Stockton offers a great local art scene and an up-and-coming community that’s just looking to be shaped by a new generation. Plus, its relatively affordable housing market means those getting established can put a roof over their heads without breaking the bank.

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City amenities? Check. Wine country? Check. Gorgeous outdoor pursuits available at every turn? You know it. While it’s not the very cheapest option on the map, Santa Rosa is perfect for young adults looking to live a refined lifestyle surrounded by like-minded peers. And it’s all within a stone’s throw of the Bay Area.

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For those young adults who just have to have the real, big-city experience, San Diego is the least expensive of California’s big three (compared to Los Angeles or San Francisco). While prices aren’t cheap, they’re achievable for many, especially if you’re willing to budget a bit. Sometimes, being in the center of the action is simply worth it.

A whole city specifically set aside for the retirement community, Laguna Woods is Southern California done right, with plenty of planned activities, senior resources, nearby wilderness, and more. If you’re a retiree in California, you might as well take a look at this very special place.

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Halfway between Santa Barbara and LA, Camarillo is a well-known surfing spot with a laid-back vibe. Residents describe the town as small, quiet, and “very clean.” With the beach to the west and the mountains to the east, Camarillo truly offers the best of both worlds — and easy access to all the big-city resources you need.

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Once again, this Central Valley community makes the list — this time for its combination of outdoor access and city to-dos backed up by a relatively low cost of living. Plus, the atmosphere here is far less rushed than in cities like LA or SF, and more than 13% of the population is aged 65 or over.

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Another option in Ventura county, Oxnard offers coastal living at a slower pace than other nearby communities. The mild climate makes it easy to weather the winter, though that’s true of just about every city in southern California. The relatively affordable cost of living, however, is not. The picturesque city offers historic Victortian architecture, fabulous taquerias, and access to the Channel Islands National Park.

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We couldn’t write a “best places to retire in California” list without including Palm Springs — even if it’s not the most affordable city on the list. With a median age over 56, Palm Springs is the quintessential retirement community, complete with beautiful warm days all winter long. The long-time resort area features natural hot springs, spas, golf courses, and a lively, walkable downtown. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes passengers from the desert floor to the mountain top (elevation 8,500 feet) for stunning views.

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If you’re willing to live a somewhat different beach life — think slower, smaller, and chillier — Eureka offers a great opportunity. This northern California coastal town is small but mighty, and just as close to the sandy shore as it is the redwood forests. The people here are quick to identify themselves as northern Californians — a different breed entirely from the rest of the state. The vibe is fiercely independent, as demonstrated by the many small artisanal businesses and unique annual events like the December Truckers’ Parade and Kinetic Grand Championship in May.

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Perfectly situated about halfway between LA and San Diego, Oceanside is a southern California beach town with a slightly slower pace. With more than 100,000 neighbors, it’s certainly not small, but it’s less… intense than other coastal communities in the area. And the cost of living is just a little more reasonable.

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A bit further north of LA’s hustle and bustle, Pismo Beach offers gorgeous natural landscapes and plenty of nearby wineries. What more could you ask for? Well, the city loves its clams and puts on an annual festival that’s been running for over 75 years. Activities range from dune-buggy racing to wine tasting in nearby Paso Robles, the location of the 2004 sleeper hit Sideways.

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Another option for those willing to weather some beachside cold, Crescent City is a northern California gem that’s considered a gateway town to the nearby Redwood National and State parks. With a population around 6,000, the community is intimate — and importantly, affordable by California standards.

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If you’ve just got to be in the heat of it all, both literally and figuratively, it’s hard to do better than Long Beach. A Los Angeles-area beach town known for its laid-back attitude and (again, relatively) affordable cost of living, Long Beach is the perfect place to feel the sand between your toes. The city is racially diverse, gay-friendly, and brimming with charming Craftsman cottages.