Cheap Places To Live In California
California is home to some of the most beautiful (in my humble opinion) places in America or dare I say the world! From the pristine beaches in Santa Monica to the glimmering San Francisco Bay, not to mention the year-round warm temperatures, it really is a one-of-a-kind place to live. If you’re thinking about taking the plunge and relocating but are worried there are no cheap places to live in California, then let me convince you otherwise. It may have a reputation as being one of the most expensive states but it does have its hidden gems. I have done my research and found some of the best budget-friendly places (by Californian standards) for you to up sticks and move to. Note: Rental and buying figures are of March 2021 and may be subject to change.
Cheap Places To Live In California
Oxnard
Despite Oxnard’s large population, prices have remained relatively affordable when compared to other places in Southern California. One of the cheap places to live In california, family homes can be found in the mid 400s and a one-bedroom apartment can be rented for around $1,400 per month, sometimes less. Utilities and transportation are also lower than the state median. It’s also near the beach, win-win!
2. Rancho Cucamonga
One of the cheap places to live In california is located about halfway between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, this once large wine-producing region has now turned into a growing metropolis that is one of the best cheap places to live in California. You can expect to spend $2000 monthly on your rent, utilities, and food. This may sound expensive but seeing as it’s less than an hour drive into Downtown LA, it could be worse.
3. Bakersfield
For those who are accustomed to coastal living, this probably isn’t for you but it is nevertheless the greatest of cheap places to live in California. It is a 2-3 hours drive to some of the golden state’s best attractions and boasts some of the most picturesque hiking trails on the west coast. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Bakersfield is currently $925.
4. Clearlake
Clearlake is among the more laidback cheap places to live in California. If you’re into water sports then Clearwater, as its name suggests, is perfect one of the cheap places to live In california, The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Clearlake, is currently $1,100. Not too bad if you ask me.
5. Oceanside
I know what you’re thinking. How can somewhere that looks like this be among the best cheap places to live in California?! With rent currently $1,700 for a one-bedroom apartment, Oceanside may not be mega affordable but beachside living will always come at a cost. The downtown area has recently undergone a massive revitalization as well!
6. Sacramento
With rent averaging out at currently $1,408, Sacramento is a great option for people looking for cheap places 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.
7. Long Beach
If it’s a laid-back, fun, progressive, and active city in Los Angeles County that you’re after, then Long Beach is the place for you. Rent is currently $1,595 which is on the more expensive side but is still relatively affordable by Californian standards. It’s one of the most bustling cheap places to live in California so rest assured, you’ll never be bored!
8. Fresno
With sunny weather pretty much all-year round, Fresno, located near the California State University area, is fantastic for cheap places to live in California. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is currently $1,220. It is within two hours of three national parks so if you love a good hike, this could be for you.
9. Eureka
With rent for a one-bedroom being just $675, this more than earns a place of this cheap places to live in California list. Eureka is a port city in Northern California and is one of the state’s major commercial fishing ports. It’s a quiet town so suitable for those who aren’t fans of busy city living.
10. Chico
Chico is a city in northern California. It's home to the massive Bidwell Park, with woodland trails, a golf course and an observatory. Rent is an average of $955 so won’t break the bank, making it a good option for cheap places to live in California.
