California is arguably the most expensive state to live in the country. Some say it’s New York but with the tech industry and major companies living in the Bay Area, San Francisco is now more expensive to live in than Los Angeles and second to New York City. Majority of the most expensive cities to live in are in California and majority of those are in the Bay Area. Native Californian’s love California from the great weather to the beaches to the mountains and the big cities, this state has everything -who would want to leave?
A lot of people are forced to leave because they can’t afford to live in California anymore, opting for states like Texas, Utah, Nevada and Oregon. But if you’re in love with California and it’s weather and don’t mind having to drive a couple of hours to get to the beach or to a big city than one of these cities are the place for you. This is a list of the most affordable places to live in California and you’ll be so glad you don’t have to move to another state!
Coalinga, California is located at the center of the San Joaquin Valley, near Fresno. Coalinga is a mid-sized town that has relatively good weather and is close to Fresno State, which gives the town a good atmosphere. The benefits of living in Coalinga are that it is near national parks and has nice winters. The nearest beach is under 60 miles away, Monterey is 2 hours away and and the closest big city is Fresno about 60 miles away. The average cost of a home in Coalinga is $177,600 and the average income is $50,373.
Ridgecrest is a city located in the Southern portion of the Indian Wells Valley. Surrounded by the mountain ranges of Sierra Nevada, Cosos, Argus Range, and El Pose mountains, Ridgecrest is near the Death Valley National Park. It’s closest urban cities are Bakersfield and San Bernardino which are both a little more than 2 hrs away. The closest beaches and LA area are all a couple of hours away. The average home cost in Ridgecrest is $196,690 and the average income is $61,480, slightly above the national average.
Taft, near Bakersfield is surrounded by mountain ranges and has a mediterranean climate with low rainfall, mild winters and hot summers. Taft is near Cal State Bakersfield and is about 2 hours away from the LA area. Taft has a very low cost of living, with it being 14.5% lower than the national average. The average home cost is is $117,800 and the average income is $50,991. With Taft being close to a major city and the beach you’ll never know you’re living in a low cost area.
Holtville is a small agricultural city located near the Mexican border. Located in the Imperial Valley, Holtville is only 12 miles north of the Mexican border and is about a hundred miles away from San Diego. A close distance to San Diego and all the culture and recreation that is there, Holtville is a very diverse place to live. This city gets very hot but has very nice winters with degrees of 70-80 and cool nights. Another plus of Holtville is that because it has a low population of around 6,000, there is a very low crime rate. The average home cost of Holtville is $193,000 and the average income is $29,628.
Blythe is a suburban city in Southern California within an hour of Los Angeles and Orange County. Positive attributes of Blythe are that it has year-round nice weather, recreation or fun activities to do and a diverse economy. You get all the Southern California advantages at a low cost living in Blythe. The average home cost in Blythe is $152, 800 and the average income is $46,393. If you want to live in LA but can’t afford it, this is the place for you.
Imperial, California much like Holtville as they are in the same area is an agricultural city. Imperial has the same attributes of Holtville as it is culturally diverse, has a low crime rate and has nice winters but very hot summers. Imperial is also very close to the Mexican border and not a far drive from San Diego, which is known for its beautiful beaches and live night life. The average cost of a home in Imperial is $263,900 which is higher than the other cities but still a bargain for California and has a median income of $73,683 which is also higher than the other cities on this list.
Live Oak is small town in the Central Valley 30 miles North of Sacramento. The perks of living in Live Oak is that it has recreational activities nearby, is close to a major city (Sacramento) and has relatively pleasant winters. Live Oak is filled with views of water and wildlife and although cheap for California, the cost of living is a little on the high side in Live Oak. The average cost of a house in Live Oak is $227,300 and the average income is $42,349.
Williams is a small town located in Colusa Country, which is in the Central Valley of California by Sacramento. Williams has nice weather with cool winter months and warm summer months. Williams is a little under an hour away from Sacramento, the state capital. The nearest beach from Williams is also a little under an hour away and the town is surrounded by lakes and state parks. The average cost
of a home in Williams is $299,000 and the average income is $55,682.
Hanford, California is a small farming town in the Central Valley about a half an hour south of Fresno. Hanford is growing city with more and more job opportunities every year. Hanford has nice weather with moderate winters. Hanford is surrounded by national parks including Kings Canyon National Park under an hour away. The average home price in Hanford is $221,800 and the average income is $53,543.
El Centro is a small agricultural town near the Mexican border. Summers in El Centro get really hot but it has nice winters. Because of El Centro’s location it is culturally diverse and because it has a low population, the crime rate is also low. As well as being close to Mexico, El Centro is also within 2 hours of San Diego which means a big city and beautiful beaches. The average home price in El Centro is $205,900 and the average income is $41,677.
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