California's 11 Most Affordable Places to Live

California is undoubtedly unlike any other state, boasting pristine beaches, crashing surf, gorgeous mountains, numerous iconic cities, and year-round moderate temperatures. But residing in a place with such enticing features can come at a cost. A rising number of California cities are becoming increasingly expensive, and many Californians—especially aspiring millennial homebuyers and residents living in larger metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco—are certainly feeling the financial squeeze as the state’s housing and rent prices continue to climb but wages stay relatively stagnant. 

Despite its infamous reputation as the most expensive state in the country, California (believe it or not) still has several economically sound places to live. While some of the most affordable places to live are tucked away in the state’s inland regions, many of them are still within close driving distance to popular destinations—you can make a California road trip out of it and listen to a binge-worthy podcast on the way.

The 11 Cheapest Places to Live in California

So, if you want to live in one of America’s most exciting states but don’t want to deal with the high real estate prices (and still want to be close to famed attractions and bustling metropolitan areas), you’re going to need to make sacrifices. While these locales offer pretty great perks (the best of which is that they’re affordable places to live), you certainly cannot expect them to be cheaper replicas of S.F. or L.A. With that being said, here are the cheapest places to live in California that still have plenty to offer:

1. Clearlake

Median home price: $216,029
Median household income: $41,047 (as of 2022)
Population: 16,693 (as of 2022)
Closest metropolitan city: San Francisco, roughly 2.5 hours away

Situated on the shores of Clear Lake—the largest natural freshwater lake in California—this small town is great for nature lovers and is home to a flourishing wine scene. Clearlake also happens to be one of the cheapest places to live in Northern California, with the average home costing around $200,000. Residents have a lot to do: explore the scenic trails of Clear Lake State Park; fish for largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill; kayak or swim in the tranquil waters; and meander through historic downtown for shopping, wine tasting, and gourmet dining.

2. Bakersfield

Median home price: $388,206
Median household income: $73,827 (as of 2022)
Population: 410,647 (as of 2022)
Closest metropolitan city: Los Angeles, a two-hour drive away

Bakersfield is located in California's Central Valley, where there are plenty of pleasant surprises. Historically known only for its oil and agriculture, Bakersfield has transformed into a hub for arts and culture and a rapidly growing city in recent years. But the region still retains its rich past. As one of the most affordable cities to live in California, this agricultural hub boasts the largest concentration of Basque restaurants, cultural attractions in the gallery- and museum-filled Arts District, and several antique shops.

Outdoor enthusiasts, meanwhile, are bound to find nirvana at the nearby Wind Wolves Preserve, the West Coast’s largest nonprofit nature preserve. Plus, with so many beautiful lakeside campgrounds and bucket-list national park experiences to be found nearby, Bakersfield offers more than meets the eye.

3. Fresno

Median home price: $384,076
Median household income: $63,001 (as of 2022)
Population: 545,567 (as of 2022)
Closest metropolitan city: Los Angeles, less than two hours away

Set in the agricultural heart of California, Fresno is a booming city abounding with old-school Spanish charm, one-of-a-kind experiences, and outdoor adventure. Fresno is a relatively affordable city to live in and features gorgeous gardens and parks, a vibrant creative community and arts scene, delicious farm-to-fork cuisine, and an unforgettable (and underground) attraction you won’t find anywhere else—the Forestiere Underground Gardens. And with some of California’s most famous national forests and three national parks—Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia—just a short drive away, there are ample opportunities to connect with nature in Fresno as well.

4. Eureka

Median home price: $423,791
Median household income: $51,971 (as of 2022)
Population: 26,129 (as of 2022)
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.

5. Stockton

Median home price: $446,012
Median household income: $71,612 (as of 2022)
Population: 321,819 (as of 2022)
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.

6. Clovis

Median home price: $514,578
Median household income: $98,554 (as of 2022)
Population: 124,556 (as of 2022)
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.

7. Sacramento

Median home price: $489,224
Median household income: $78,954 
Population: 528,001 (as of 2022)
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.

8. Chico 

Median home price: $465,852
Median household income: $65,932 (as of 2022)
Population: 101,299 (as of 2022)
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.

9. Fontana

Median home price: $635,635
Median household income: $93,230 (as of 2022)
Population: 212,475 (as of 2022)
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.

10. Visalia

Median home price: $386,300
Median household income: $75,658 (as of 2022)
Population: 143,966 (as of 2022)
Closest metropolitan city: San Francisco, less than one hour away

Tucked in California's Central Valley is the city of Visalia. This city is south of Fresno and boasts a nice small-town vibe that's still within reach of beautiful weekend-day trip destinations. It's an affordable area to live with a household income well below the California median., Home prices are nearly half off of what you'd find in other areas.

11. San Jacinto

Median home price: $479,144
Median household income:  $73,682 (as of 2022)
Population: 55,470 (as of 2022)
Closest metropolitan city: Los Angeles, over one hour away

San Jacinto is a beautiful small city in California's Inland Empire region. It's located just outside Riverside and about an hour away from Los Angeles. The benefits of San Jacinto come down to its affordability with both median home price and household income well below California's median numbers. It also is in an excellent location. You can explore beautiful nature areas like Mount San Jacinto State Park or visit nearby cities like Palm Springs and Riverside fairly easily.

While not all of these affordable California cities offer oceanfront property or luxe mountain homes, they each have their own unique appeal—and who knows, they may just surprise you. But if you’re set on living in one of California's most exciting and diverse cities, check out the cheapest places to live in the Bay Area and discover ways to save money in these popular destinations.