The Best Places To Live In California 2025: Top Cities & Suburbs

Choosing the right place to live in California can be overwhelming, especially with so many cities and suburbs offering unique opportunities. Whether you're looking for top universities, affordable housing, or exciting career options, California has something for everyone. From the tech hubs of San Francisco and San Jose to the scenic coastal towns of Santa Barbara and Irvine, each location has its own appeal. This guide explores the best places to live, covering everything from student-friendly cities to hidden gems in California, so you can find the best places New York to call home.

About California

California, home to 39.43 million people, is one of the best places to live in California for students due to its top universities and strong job market. The state has 384 higher education institutions, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Stanford, attracting thousands of students worldwide. Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles offer opportunities in tech and entertainment, while Sacramento and Fresno provide affordable living. With a Mediterranean climate, access to beaches, mountains, national parks, and industries in technology, healthcare, and agriculture, California offers a well-rounded lifestyle for students seeking education, career growth, and outdoor experiences. California is highly desirable to live in, with a combination of unique factors. The climate is good, with beautiful landscapes and different outdoor activities. The state’s economy offers opportunities in tech, healthcare, agriculture, and entertainment, and cities provide cultural diversity. 

Top Cities in California

California is home to some of the best cities to live in California, offering a mix of career opportunities, education, and entertainment. From the tech-driven hubs to coastal escapes, each city has something unique to offer for students and professionals alike.

1. San Francisco

Cost of Living: $5,614 Monthly/per head
Student Population: 50,000+ (includes SFSU, UCSF, others)
Top University: University of California, Berkeley

San Francisco isn’t just a city; it’s an experience. If you’re studying at UC Berkeley or San Francisco State University, you’ll have access to some of the best internship opportunities with major financial hubs in the Financial District. The Community Policing, active neighborhood programs, and widespread security cameras help to keep the crime rate low. As one of the best areas to live in California, you will find places like Mission Dolores Park and Pier 39 for hanging out. Events like Outside Lands and the Chinese New Year Parade are big highlights. Top attractions include the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.

2. Los Angeles

Cost of Living: $4,779 Monthly/per head
Student Population: 500,000+ (UCLA, USC, community colleges)
Top University: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Los Angeles, home to UCLA and USC, offers top internships in Hollywood, Silicon Beach, and Downtown's corporate hubs. There are local neighborhood councils, LAPD community programs, and private security patrols to maintain the low crime rate. One of the best places to live in California, LA, blends career opportunities with culture. From Venice Beach to Griffith Park, students find plenty of hangouts. The city shines with events like the Oscars and the LA Pride Festival. Must-see attractions are the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Universal Studios.

3. San Diego

Cost of Living: $4,084 Monthly/per head
Student Population: 130,000+ (UCSD, SDSU, others)
Top University: University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

If you love year-round sunshine, top universities, and a laid-back coastal vibe, San Diego is for you. The well-funded police force, community watch programs, and strong military presence contribute to the safety of San Diego. Students can relax at La Jolla Cove and the Gaslamp Quarter. Comic-Con International is the most iconic festival here. Don’t miss the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. As one of the best cities to live in California, it also boasts of biotech, military, and tourism. If you're considering a good place to move in California, San Diego is one of the best places to live in California. But beware of the high housing costs and traffic problems, as public transport options are few compared to other places. 

4. Santa Barbara

Cost of Living: $4,053 Monthly/per head
Student Population: 25,000+ (UCSB, SBCC)
Top University: University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

Santa Barbara is one of the best places to live in California if you enjoy coastal views, historic charm, and outdoor activities. Strong community-police partnerships, active neighborhood watch programs, and well-kept public spaces keep the crime rate low. Students enjoy State Street cafés and East Beach for relaxation. Popular events include the Old Spanish Days Fiesta and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Top attractions are Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Mission. Santa Barbara is a great place for those who want a balance of nature, culture, and a relaxed lifestyle.

5. San Jose

Cost of Living: $3,613 Monthly/per head
Student Population: 35,000+ (SJSU, others)
Top University: San José State University (SJSU)

San Jose is one of the best places to live in California if you're looking for a city that blends tech innovation with diverse cultural experiences. The city is home to companies like Apple, Google, and Adobe, offering endless career opportunities. The low crime rates are maintained with a high-tech economy, well-lit public spaces, and proactive community policing initiatives. Santana Row and San Pedro Square Market are student favorites. Cinequest Film Festival brings creative energy. The Winchester Mystery House and Tech Interactive Museum are the top attractions.

6. Oakland

Cost of Living: $3,276 Monthly/per head
Student Population: 16,000+ (Merritt College, Laney College)
Top University: Samuel Merritt University

Oakland is a good place to live in California if you want a mix of culture, history, and outdoor activities without the high costs of San Francisco. The increased foot patrols, neighborhood watch groups, and investment in youth outreach contribute to the safety. Lake Merritt and Jack London Square are popular student spots. Events like Oakland Art Murmur and Life Is Living Festival add vibrancy. Oakland Museum and Redwood Regional Park are major draws. Oakland has some safest neighborhoods and remains one of the best places to live in California. 

Best Suburbs in California

The best areas to live in California offer a quieter lifestyle while keeping you close to big-city opportunities. These areas have great schools, parks, and a strong sense of community, making them nice places to live in California for students, families, and professionals. Whether you prefer a tech hub like Palo Alto or a beachside town like Irvine, there’s a perfect suburb for everyone.

7. Irvine

Cost of Living: $$2,264 Monthly/per head
Student Population: 35,000+ (UC Irvine)
Top University: University of California, Irvine (UCI)

Irvine is one of the best places to live in California, known for its safe, family-friendly atmosphere and thriving economy. Even though Irvine has a high cost of living and limited public transport options, it is perfect for those seeking a balance of education, career, and lifestyle. The master-planned communities, strong HOA security, and well-staffed police departments regularly work to maintain the safety of this neighborhood. The Spectrum Center and Mason Regional Park are common student hangouts. The Irvine Global Village Festival is a key event. Irvine Spectrum Giant Wheel and Bommer Canyon are must-visits.

8. Palo Alto

Cost of Living: $2,075 Monthly/per head
Student Population: 17,000+ (Stanford University)
Top University: Stanford University

Palo Alto offers a fast-paced, opportunity-rich lifestyle, making it one of the best places to live in California. The high civic engagement, affluent residents investing in private security, and a strong police presence help maintain the low crime rate. University Avenue cafés and Stanford Shopping Center are top hangouts. The Palo Alto Festival of the Arts is a highlight. Stanford University campus and the Stanford Dish trail are big attractions. Palo Alto stands out as one of the cool places in California to live for students, professionals, and families. 

9. Santa Clara

Cost of Living: $$1,896  Monthly/per head
Student Population: 10,000+ (Santa Clara University)
Top University: Santa Clara University

Santa Clara is one of the best places to live in California if you want a mix of city life and quiet neighborhoods. The city has a strong tech presence with companies like Intel and NVIDIA. The tech-driven surveillance, community policing, and strong neighborhood groups contribute to the safety of this neighborhood. Students enjoy the Levi’s Stadium area and Central Park. The Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival is well-loved. California’s Great America theme park is the top tourist attraction. Public transportation options are limited, the cost of living is high, but with easy access to Santa Clara University and a growing job market, Santa Clara offers great opportunities without the rush of bigger cities.

10. Pasadena

Cost of Living: $1,541 Monthly/per head
Student Population: 25,000+ (Caltech, Pasadena City College)
Top University: California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Pasadena stands out as one of the best places to live in California for young adults, offering a mix of history, culture, and education. Known for hosting the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Stadium, the city has a strong sense of community and tradition. The active police-community partnerships, historic preservation efforts, and heavy pedestrian activity create a safe and secure environment. Old Pasadena and Paseo Colorado are lively hangout spots. The Norton Simon Museum and Huntington Library are key attractions.

11. Berkeley

Cost of Living: $3,750 Monthly/per head
Student Population: 30,000+ (UC Berkeley)
Top University: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

Berkeley is one of the best places to live California for students and young professionals compared to nearby San Francisco. Berkeley maintains safety with a large student population, active neighborhood associations, and strong collaboration between the city police and UC Berkeley campus security. Telegraph Avenue and Berkeley Marina attract student crowds. Berkeley Street Festivals and Bay Festival add local charm. UC Botanical Garden and Tilden Regional Park are must-see attractions. Berkeley is one of the nice places in California to live, especially for those who love a lively, intellectual community.

Affordable Places to Live in California

Finding affordable places to live in California is possible, with cities that offer lower housing costs and a good quality of life. Places like Fresno, Bakersfield, and Modesto are good places to live in CA, and they provide budget-friendly living with access to jobs, schools, and outdoor activities. These cities are great for students and families looking for a comfortable and cost-effective lifestyle.

12. Fresno

Cost of Living: $2,150 Monthly/per head
Student Population: 25,000+ (Fresno State)
Top University: California State University, Fresno (Fresno State)

Fresno is one of the best places to live in California if you're looking for affordability and access to nature. There are community policing initiatives, neighborhood revival projects, and local outreach programs to help fight the crime rate. Students hang out at River Park and Woodward Park. The Fresno Fair and Rogue Festival are major annual events here. Fresno Chaffee Zoo and Forestiere Underground Gardens are top attractions. The city ensures to offer a comfortable and budget-friendly lifestyle. 

13. Sacramento 

Cost of Living: $2,900 Monthly/per head
Student Population: 65,000+ (CSUS, community colleges)
Top University: California State University, Sacramento (Sac State)

Sacramento is one of the good places to live in CA, with a growing economy in government, healthcare, and tech industries, attracting students and young professionals. Sacramento follows certain safety methods like well-funded police, community engagement, and investment in parks and public spaces, which contribute to the low crime rate. Old Sacramento and Midtown cafés are student favorites. The California State Fair and Farm-to-Fork Festival bring the city alive. Must-see spots include the California State Capitol and Crocker Art Museum. 

14. Bakersfield

Cost of Living: $1,850 Monthly/per head
Student Population: 20,000+ (CSUB, Bakersfield College)
Top University: California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB)

Bakersfield is the cheapest place to live in California if you're looking for an affordable city with a growing job market. The safer neighborhoods in Bakersfield benefit from community policing programs, active neighborhood watch groups, and public safety initiatives. Students hang out at The Marketplace and River Walk Park. Events like the Kern County Fair and Bakersfield Jazz Festival bring the city to life. Tourist attractions include Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace and Kern County Museum. Bakersfield offers a balanced lifestyle for students, families, and professionals.

15. Stockton

Cost of Living: $1,700 Monthly/per head
Student Population: 25,000+ (Stockton University, Delta College)
Top University: University of the Pacific

Stockton is one of the best areas to live in California if you want a mix of city life and outdoor space at an affordable cost. There are increased patrols, youth programs, and neighborhood watch groups that help maintain the low crime in Stockton. The Stockton Waterfront and Miracle Mile are popular student hangouts. Stockton hosts events like the Asparagus Festival and Stockton Flavor Fest. Attractions include Micke Grove Zoo and Haggin Museum. With a lower cost of living and plenty of local events, Stockton is a practical choice for students and families.

16. Arcata

Cost of Living: $1,600 Monthly/per head
Student Population: 7,500+ (Humboldt State University)
Top University: Cal Poly Humboldt

Arcata is one of the cool places to live in California if you love nature and a quiet lifestyle. The town is surrounded by redwood forests and close to the Pacific Ocean, making it a great spot for hiking, biking, and beach walks. A close-knit community, university police support, and active local organizations help contribute to overall safety. Arcata Plaza and the Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary are loved by students. The Kinetic Grand Championship and North Country Fair are local highlights. Redwood Park and Humboldt Bay are top attractions. Arcata is a peaceful place for students and anyone looking for a slower pace of life.

17. Mammoth Lakes

Cost of Living: $2,800 Monthly/per head
Student Population: Small (Mammoth College, seasonal)
Top University: Cerro Coso Community College (Eastern Sierra Campus)

Mammoth Lakes is one of the good places to live in CA if you love the outdoors and a peaceful mountain lifestyle. Its small size, high tourism oversight, and visible law enforcement presence contribute to a low crime rate. Students and travelers relax at The Village at Mammoth and Lake Mary. The Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza is a crowd favorite. Mammoth Mountain and Devils Postpile National Monument are must-sees. If you enjoy fresh air, adventure, and a slower pace of life, Mammoth Lakes is a great place to live in California.

18. Chico

Cost of Living: $2,000  Monthly/per head
Student Population: 17,000+ (CSU Chico)
Top University: California State University, Chico (Chico State)

Chico is one of the great place to live in California for those looking for a small-town feel with plenty of things to do. The strong ties between the university and city police, active community watch, and high resident involvement help to maintain the safety. Downtown Chico and Bidwell Park are popular hangouts. Chico celebrates with events like the Thursday Night Market and the Chico World Music Festival. Attractions include the Bidwell Mansion and the Gateway Science Museum. With lower living costs and a welcoming community, Chico is one of the best cities to live in California on a budget for families and students wanting an active but laid-back lifestyle. California offers abundant opportunities and lifestyles for students and young adults, with hidden gems like Arcata and Mammoth Lakes, fast-paced cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, and affordable suburbs like Palo Alto and Irvine. These cities are some of the affordable places to live in California. To save on costs, consider using public transit, shopping at local markets, and exploring affordable housing options. As for your housing needs, amber can help you find budget-friendly and ideal student housing apartments in California, making it easier to enjoy a lively yet affordable lifestyle in the Golden State.