Cheapest Places To Live In California: Affordable Havens in California

Published May 1, 2025 by TNJ Staff
Travel
Featured image for Cheapest Places To Live In California: Affordable Havens in California

California, the Golden State in the United States of America, is often considered one of the most expensive states to live in. It is associated with luxury because of the heavy living cost of living, expensive real estate, and rapidly growing tech industry. However, you don’t necessarily have to pay heaps of money to live in California. If you are someone who is looking for some affordable places to live in California, this article is for you. It brings you a detailed list of the cheapest places in California you can opt for.

Bakersfield

Bakersfield

Bakersfield is often considered the ninth-largest city to exist in the state of California and also one of the cheapest places to live in. It has a population of 367,555, and the median purchase price for houses in Bakersfield is $214,600. If you are someone who wants to get a house on rent in Bakersfield, the median rent per month is $1,005. The crime rate in this city is less than 11% of other cities in the country. The city also offers job opportunities for unemployed individuals in evergreen industries like oil and agriculture. 

Also read:

Popular Destinations in California in May for Coast, Wine & Parks

Top 10 Retirement Communities In California: Best Senior Living in California

Chico

Chico

Chico, famous among the masses as the city of trees, not only offers you an opportunity to reconnect with nature but also provides you with affordable housing options. It is located at a two-hour drive from Sacramento and has a population of 89,377. The median purchase price for houses in Chico is $270,900, while you can easily get a house at a median monthly rent of $955. The crime rate in this city is less than 26% of other cities in the country. Chico is best for those who are planning to shift to California for their higher studies, as it has California State University, Chico, along with several other top-notch colleges.

Clovis

Clovis

Clovis is the city that is nicknamed the “Gateway of the Sierras.” It is one of the biggest cities in California, with a population of 102,148, most of whom are young families. You can easily buy a house in Clovis at the median purchase price of $263,500 or get it on a median monthly rent of $1,093. The city is considered safer than 62% of other cities located in the United States. It not only offers beautiful weather but also numerous opportunities in the agricultural industry because of the San Joaquin Valley’s rich soil.

Also read:

10 Best Places to Live in California for Young Adults

Eureka

Eureka-cheapest-places-to-live-in-california

Eureka, one of the most affordable harbour cities in California, has a population of 27,002. The city records temperatures that reach as high as 60 degrees in the summer, and also offers fresh air from the Redwood National and State Parks. The median purchase price in Eureka for a house is $241,70,0, and the median rent per month is $844. Eureka is considered safer than 5% of other cities in the country. If you are someone who is a fan of Victorian-era architecture, you must check out Eureka.

Fontana

Fontana is also one of the cheapest places to live in California it also has a rich history in racing. The city has a population of 205,228 and is safer than 63% of the other cities in the US. You can buy a house in Fontana at a median purchase price of $289,400 or rent it at a median monthly rent of $1,167. The city gained its popularity because of drag racing in the 1950s. It still arranges multiple racing events like the NASCAR and IndyCar races at Auto Club Speedway. Fontana is located 50 miles from Los Angeles. The city also offers job opportunities in industries like California Steel Industries, Fontana Unified School District, and Burrtec. 

Also read:

Top 10 Places to Live in Texas with Family: Safe & Affordable

Fresno

Fresno is a city considered one of the best and most affordable options to live in California. It has a population of 513,807 and is safer than 9% of other cities in California. If you are someone who loves to explore new places every week, Fresno is the place for you. It is located near three major national parks, including Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park. The city is a major contributor to the economy of California, with a share worth $8 billion. You can buy a house in Fresno at a median purchase price of $187,500 or rent it at a median monthly rent of $901. 

Sacramento

Sacramento, the capital of California, may seem like an expensive place to live in but the reality is surprising. It is counted in the list of the cheapest places in California to live in instead. The city has a population of 484,530 and is considered safer than 10% of other cities in the state of California. It is undoubtedly the best places to live in California as it offers major job opportunities in businesses like Lyon Real Estate, SMUD, and Sutter Health. The agricultural industry of Sacramento is also the main contributor to the economic growth of the city. You can buy a house in Sacramento at a median purchase price of $259,400 or take it on a median monthly rent of $1,057. The city is also a perfect option for those seeking higher studies as it has multiple reputed colleges.

Share Post:
T

TNJ Staff

TNJ Staff is a team of experienced writers and editors dedicated to delivering insightful and engaging content across various topics. With expertise in research-driven journalism, TNJ Staff ensures accuracy, clarity, and value in every piece they publish.