Top 10 Cheapest Places to Live in California (2025)

Let’s be honest—California isn’t exactly famous for affordability. Between $7 lattes and rent that makes your savings cry, it’s easy to assume the entire state is off-limits unless you’re a tech mogul or movie star. But that’s not totally true.

Dig a little deeper and you’ll find that the cheapest places to live in California are actually kind of amazing. There’s a whole collection of small cities, towns, and lesser-known areas where you can live affordably without sacrificing weather, scenery, or vibe. Whether you’re looking to plant roots, retire, or just stop draining your paycheck every month, there are real options.

This guide covers the most affordable cities in California, from hidden gems in the north to overlooked spots in Southern California where the rent is low and the sunshine still shows up like clockwork. We’re not talking about sleeping in your car behind a Whole Foods—we mean real homes, with decent rent, and neighborhoods you’d actually want to walk around in after dark.

Whether you’re craving a slower pace, saving up, or sick of living with four roommates and a cat you didn’t ask for, these are the best affordable places to live in California in 2025.

Why Consider Affordable Cities in California?

Why bother looking for affordable places to live in California? Well, for starters: sanity. The cheapest city to live in California might not have the glitz of LA or the nonstop buzz of San Francisco, but it also doesn’t come with $4,500 rent for a one-bedroom and an hour-long commute to your job across town.

When you find one of the most affordable places to live in California, you get to enjoy the perks—mild weather, mountains, coastlines, amazing tacos—without the bank-breaking costs. And many of these cheapest places to live in southern California aren’t just cheap, they’re comfortable. Like actual neighborhoods with parks, grocery stores, and schools that won’t make you weep during PTA meetings.

And don’t assume “cheap” means “sketchy.” Some of the most affordable cities in California are growing fast, with new jobs, better infrastructure, and a community feel that the big cities lost years ago. So yeah, you can have a life—on a budget—and it can be in California.

Top 10 Cheapest Cities to Live in California

1. Bakersfield

Cost of Living: $1,900–$2,300/month
Average Rent: $1,450/month
Nearby University: California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB)
Places of Interest: The Park at River Walk, Kern County Museum

Bakersfield is a name that pops up again and again when people talk about the cheapest places to live in California, and there’s a good reason for that. Actually, several. First off, it’s one of the most affordable cities in California where you can still land a single-family home for under $400,000. Yes, really.

The city’s economy is anchored in agriculture and energy, with jobs in both growing steadily. It may not be trendy, but it’s practical. And sometimes that’s exactly what you need. You’ll find local taco joints, parks that don’t charge for parking, and a tight-knit community vibe that doesn’t feel fake.

When people hunt for the cheapest city to live in California, Bakersfield checks nearly every box. It’s not on the beach, but you’re only two hours from LA and even closer to national forests and lakes. So you still get the California lifestyle without the astronomical costs.

Bottom line: If you want a big enough city to find work but small enough to breathe, Bakersfield is one of the best affordable places to live in California.

2. Fresno

Cost of Living: $2,000–$2,400/month
Average Rent: $1,500/month
Nearby University: California State University, Fresno (Fresno State)
Places of Interest: Forestiere Underground Gardens, Woodward Park

Fresno gets a lot of flak. Sure, it’s not a glamorous tech hub or a chic coastal escape. But it’s easily one of the cheapest places to live in California that still offers a sense of balance. You can rent a two-bedroom apartment for under $1,500 and buy a home for a fraction of what it would cost in the Bay Area.

And here's the kicker: Fresno is growing. The downtown area is getting a facelift, more cafes and coworking spots are popping up, and the community is diverse in the best way possible. It’s also super close to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, which makes it a killer spot for weekend adventurers.

People often overlook Fresno, but if you’re serious about finding affordable places to live in California, this city should absolutely be on your radar. It’s one of the most affordable places to live in California that still feels connected to nature, work, and a future.

3. Visalia

Cost of Living: $1,900–$2,200/month
Average Rent: $1,250/month
‍Nearby University: College of the Sequoias
Places of Interest: Mooney Grove Park, Visalia Fox Theatre

Tucked in California’s Central Valley, Visalia is kind of like that introvert who’s secretly awesome once you get to know them. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it’s quietly one of the cheapest places to live in California that’s genuinely livable.

Visalia offers solid schools, historic charm, and easy access to national parks like Kings Canyon and Sequoia. Rent hovers just above $1,200, and homes are still well below the state median. Compared to inflated costs in bigger metros, that’s a game-changer.

If you’re looking at the cheapest places to live in Southern California, you might overlook Visalia because it’s a bit north of the true SoCal line. But if your goal is affordability plus breathing room, it belongs in the conversation.

Among the best affordable places to live in California, Visalia delivers on value and community. It's not flashy, but it's functional in all the ways that count.

4. Modesto

Cost of Living: $2,100–$2,500/month
Average Rent: $1,600/month
Nearby University: California State University, Stanislaus 
Places of Interest: Modesto Arch, Graceada Park

Modesto is often dismissed as just another Central Valley stopover, but dig deeper and you'll find it’s one of the cheapest places to live in California with a surprising amount of charm. The housing market is friendly to first-time buyers, and the average rent is significantly below the state average. In short, you don’t need to be rich to live here.

This is one of those affordable places to live in California where you still get tree-lined streets, family-friendly neighborhoods, and access to both Sacramento and the Bay Area in under two hours. That’s a win if you’re looking for balance.

Modesto isn’t trying to be trendy. It’s steady, with a strong agricultural economy and just enough city amenities to keep things comfortable. For people priced out of coastal cities, Modesto remains one of the most affordable cities in California that doesn't feel like you’re settling.

5. Chico

Cost of Living: $1,950–$2,300/month
Average Rent: $1,400/month
Nearby University: California State University, Chico
Places of Interest: Bidwell Park, Chico Museum

If you want something a little artsier and more nature-friendly, Chico could be your spot. It’s home to California State University, Chico, which brings a young, creative vibe into what is otherwise a peaceful, small city. That combo makes it one of the best affordable places to live in California for students, freelancers, or anyone looking for a slower pace without giving up a community feel.

The cost of living is low, especially compared to coastal cities, and the rent prices are surprisingly reasonable. Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the country, gives Chico an edge that most other cheapest places to live in California don’t have. You get hiking, biking, and even swimming holes right in town.

And since it’s not on the typical “move to Cali” radar, it remains one of the most affordable places to live in California that hasn’t been overrun or overpriced.

6. Stockton

Cost of Living: $2,100–$2,600/month
Average Rent: $1,550/month
Nearby University: University of the Pacific
Places of Interest: Stockton Marina, Haggin Museum

Now, Stockton has a rep. Let’s not pretend otherwise. But reputations evolve, and Stockton’s story is definitely changing. Despite its past struggles, Stockton today is one of the cheapest cities to live in California that still offers urban amenities, a waterfront lifestyle, and quick train access to the Bay Area via the Altamont Corridor Express.

If you're looking for one of the cheapest places to live in Southern California, this isn’t it geographically. But in terms of affordability and accessibility, Stockton hits a similar mark.

Rents are reasonable, the job market is improving, and the housing market remains one of the most buyer-friendly in the state. It’s one of those affordable cities in California that’s quietly transforming and becoming a viable option for families, commuters, and remote workers alike.

7. Eureka

Cost of Living: $1,900–$2,200/month
Average Rent: $1,350/month
Nearby University: Cal Poly Humboldt
‍Places of Interest: Sequoia Park Zoo, Old Town Eureka

Looking for a quiet coastal town with redwood forests in your backyard? Say hello to Eureka. It’s way up in Northern California, and because it’s off the beaten path, it’s also one of the cheapest places to live in California that still offers stunning scenery.

This little Victorian seaport doesn’t scream “California” the way LA or San Diego does, but that’s kind of the point. It’s one of the most affordable places to live in California where nature is literally everywhere — you’ve got hiking trails, rivers, and the Pacific Ocean all within minutes of each other.

Housing? Way cheaper than you’d expect for a coastal town. Rent stays manageable, and you can actually buy property without selling your soul. Among affordable places to live in California, Eureka delivers on value, peace, and personality.

8. Redding

Cost of Living: $2,000–$2,300/month
Average Rent: $1,450/month
Nearby University: Shasta College
Places of Interest: Sundial Bridge, Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Redding isn’t flashy, but it gets the job done. Think of it as one of the most affordable cities in California that just wants you to live well, without stress or sky-high bills. It’s a great base for outdoor lovers, with Shasta Lake and Lassen Volcanic National Park nearby.

The cost of living? Shockingly reasonable. And home prices are lower than what you'll find in almost any other part of the state. It’s one of the cheapest cities to live in California, period.

If you’ve been hunting for affordable cities in California where you can stretch your budget and still enjoy the little things — coffee shops, community events, decent schools — Redding might be your answer.

9. Hemet

Cost of Living: $2,100–$2,500/month
Average Rent: $1,550/month
Nearby University: Mt. San Jacinto College
Places of Interest: Diamond Valley Lake, Western Science Center

Hemet might not be glamorous, but it consistently ranks among the cheapest places to live in Southern California. So if SoCal is where your heart is, and your wallet says “nah,” this is a compromise worth exploring.

Located in Riverside County, Hemet offers big savings on housing compared to neighboring cities like Temecula or Palm Springs. It’s one of those affordable places to live in California where the sunshine tax doesn’t feel like highway robbery.

Sure, it’s quieter, but that can be a good thing. Especially if you’re after one of the most affordable places to live in California that gives you space to breathe and a little money left over at the end of the month.

10. Oxnard

Cost of Living: $2,400–$2,800/month
Average Rent: $1,900/month
Nearby University: California State University Channel Islands
Places of Interest: Oxnard Beach Park, Channel Islands Maritime Museum

Yes, Oxnard. A beach city, and still one of the cheapest places to live in California if you're comparing it to Santa Barbara or Malibu. It's got ocean views, a working-class spirit, and some of the best tacos in the state.

You won’t find sky-high rents here, at least not compared to other SoCal coastal towns. In fact, Oxnard consistently ranks as one of the best affordable places to live in California if you want beach access without totally draining your bank account.

It’s also part of Ventura County, one of the more affordable places to live in California that's still close to LA, making it popular among remote workers and commuters looking for a better cost-of-living balance.

Cheapest Places to Live in Southern California

Southern California often gets painted as a pricey playground, but believe it or not, there are some seriously affordable places to live in California down south. Places where the cost of living isn’t a constant headache.

Cities like Hemet and Oxnard stand out as the cheapest places to live in Southern California. They offer a decent mix of amenities, decent weather, and housing prices that won’t break the bank. While not as flashy as LA or San Diego, these cities are solid options for anyone looking to stretch their dollars while still soaking up some Cali sunshine.

If you’re hunting for the cheapest city to live in California in the southern region, don’t overlook these spots. They might not have the high-profile names, but they bring affordability and a decent quality of life to the table.