Think You Can’t Afford California? Think Again.
California may be the third most expensive state to live in—with housing costs a whopping 134% higher than the national average—but it’s not all yachts and mansions. There are actually many affordable neighborhoods that offer big-city amenities and exciting West Coast attractions, without requiring a six-figure income.
Here’s eight cities in California that balance affordability and livability…though, there’s one minor sacrifice you may have to make. 
1. Bakersfield
Cost of Living: Approximately 25% below the California average
Unemployment Rate: 6.5%
Crime Rate: Higher than the national average
If you’re willing to work in agriculture or energy, Bakersfield may be the city for you. Housing prices are said to be quite low because of fewer income-earning opportunities—but this also makes the cost of living less.
Robert Hale, Wikimedia Commons
Bakersfield
Families should be aware, though, that the crime rate is about 11.7% higher in Bakersfield than the national average. Property crime, in particular, has been higher in recent years.
With that being said, all of Bakersfield’s public schools are highly-rated by the state, offering a quality education local parents are proud of.
nickchapman, Wikimedia Commons
2. Chico
Cost of Living: Around 10% below the California average
Unemployment Rate: 5.9%
Crime Rate: Moderate, with some areas experiencing higher rates
Chico is appealing to homeowners not only for its affordable housing but also for its adorable small-town feel. It’s nicknamed the "City of Trees" for its abundance of nature. The city is also home to California State University Chico, which draws in people and offers a range of employment opportunities.
Chico
The median home price in Chico is reported at $270,900, with median rent said to be about $955 monthly. And while crime can be a problem in some areas, Chico has actually seen a decrease in recent years.
3. Clovis
Cost of Living: Approximately 15% below the California average
Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
Crime Rate: Lower than the national average
Clovis has a population of just over 100,000 and is one of the least expensive places to live in California. Known as the “Gateway to the Sierras”, Clovis isn’t just beautiful, it’s also family-friendly with excellent schools and said to be safer than 62% of cities in the US.
Clovis
The median home price is reported to be about $263,500, and rent is said to be around the $1,000 mark. The housing market is booming as well, offering a range of options for varied income ranges. The public school ratings are top notch, too.
4. Eureka
Cost of Living: 17% below the California average
Unemployment Rate: 6.0%
Crime Rate: Higher than the national average
This affordable California harbor city attracts homeowners with its coastal charm, historic Victorian homes, ocean views, redwood forests—and its attractive cost of living.
Ellin Beltz, Wikimedia Commons
Eureka
With a small population of only 27,000, Eureka’s median rent is only $844 a month, and median home prices around the $240,000 mark.
While it may boast more of a small-town feel, crime can be a problem in some areas.
5. Fontana
Cost of Living: Approximately 10% below the California average
Unemployment Rate: 5.5%
Crime Rate: Moderate
Fontana’s suburban atmosphere draws people in. Its close proximity to LA gives homeowners big-city amenities, an abundance of employment opportunities—and lower housing prices.
Fontana
The median home price in Fontana is $289,400, with a median rent reported at just over $1,000 monthly. And though it may have a moderate crime rate, it is still said to be safer than 63% of cities in the US.
6. Fresno
Cost of Living: Around 12% below the California average
Unemployment Rate: 5.9%
Crime Rate: Higher than the national average
Fresno is absolutely beautiful and said to be an outdoor enthusiast’s dream given its close proximity to three national parks. The town offers small-town charm with big-city amenities—and at reasonably affordable prices too.
Fresno
Fresno’s central location in California offers growing opportunities in healthcare and education—while still offering affordable housing. The median home price is reported at $187,500 and rent is said to be only $900.
7. Hanford
Cost of Living: 33% below the California average
Unemployment Rate: 9.3%
Crime Rate: Moderate
Hanford is known as an energizing and historical city filled with art galleries, museums, antique stores, and plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces for hiking, picnicking, and fishing. With growing businesses, the unemployment rate is expected to drop in the coming years.
David Prasad from Fresno, CA., United States, Wikimedia Commons
Hanford
The median home price is $280,400—which is significantly lower than the national average. Even better, houses are appreciating and new budget-friendly builds are making housing more accessible for all income ranges.
David Prasad from Fresno, CA., United States, Wikimedia Commons
8. Imperial
Cost of Living: Approximately 34% below the California average
Unemployment Rate: 5.0%
Crime Rate: Lower than the national average
Imperial, California—not to be confused with Imperial Beach—is another affordable place in the sunny state where the cost of living is below the national average, and well below the state average.
JacobSA2019, Wikimedia Commons
Imperial
Aside from cheaper housing, groceries and transportation are said to be more affordable, the unemployment rate has kept fairly low, and it’s said to be a fairly safe place to live, too.
JacobSA2019, Wikimedia Commons
9. Stockton
Cost of Living: Around 11% below the California average
Unemployment Rate: 7.7%
Crime Rate: Moderate, safer than 3% of California cities
Compared to many other cities in California, Stockton is definitely one of the more affordable places. The median home price is $191,000 and the median rent is said to be around $960 monthly.
Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons
Stockton
While it may be more affordable, Stockton residents should note that while it is still safer than 3% of other state cities, the crime rate may be high in some parts.
On a more positive note, Stockton is expected to see a 23.14% job growth over the next decade—which is significantly higher than the national average.
Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons
10. Sacramento
Cost of Living: 14% below the California average
Unemployment Rate: 6.6%
Crime Rate: Moderate
Sacramento is consistently rated as one of the best places to live in California. While some may say it is still fairly expensive—of course it is, it’s in California—there are still plenty of affordable options that appeal to both families and single individuals.
Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons
Sacramento
Known as the Farm-to-Fork Capital, Sacramento is filled with agricultural opportunities helping keep the unemployment rate low.
The median house price is $250,000 and the median monthly rate is said to be just over $1,000, making housing an affordable option for both buyers and renters.
DevinCook at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons
Final Thoughts
In a state that is literally known for high living costs, these affordable California cities prove that living in the Golden State is not entirely out of reach. Both families and those living solo have budget-friendly housing options and vast employment opportunities.
And don’t let higher crime rates scare you—many neighborhoods within these cities are safe, family-friendly, and thriving.
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