California has a way of capturing people’s imagination. From sunny beaches and towering redwoods to bustling cities and charming small towns, it’s a state where you can surf in the morning, hike in the afternoon, and enjoy world‑class food by evening. It’s no wonder so many people picture themselves building a life here.
But for many families, the cost of living is the part that gives them pause. Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles regularly top the list of the nation’s most expensive housing markets.
At National Van Lines, we’ve helped thousands of people relocate to places that fit both their budgets and their lifestyles. In this handy list, we’ll highlight some of the most affordable places to live in California: Cities that balance opportunity, culture, and a more manageable cost of living.
Bakersfield: Affordable Living in California’s Central Valley
Bakersfield is one of California’s fastest-growing cities and offers a mix of suburban comfort, career opportunities, and a cost of living well below the state average. Families appreciate its strong community feel, access to outdoor recreation, and rich cultural heritage.
Sources: Redfin, Rocket Homes
Bakersfield offers a grounded lifestyle in California’s Central Valley. Known for Basque cuisine, country music history, and a growing arts scene, it gives families the chance to enjoy more space at a lower cost than coastal cities.
The city’s economy continues to grow in agriculture, logistics, healthcare, and energy. Some of Bakersfield’s largest employers include Kern County government, Kern High School District, Bakersfield City School District, Dignity Health, and Bolthouse Farms.
Things to do:
- Listen to live music at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace
- Walk or bike along The Park at River Walk by the Kern River
- Explore local history at the Kern County Museum
- Grab dinner at a Basque restaurant or try popular spots like Hodel’s Country Dining and Birria Bros food truck
- Pick seasonal fruit at Murray Family Farms
Fresno: A Budget-Friendly Hub with Big City Amenities
Fresno combines affordability with access to some of California’s best outdoor destinations, including Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. It offers a growing arts and dining scene, steady job opportunities, and neighborhoods that provide more space for the money.
Sources: Redfin, Rocket Homes
Fresno offers a combination of affordability and opportunity in the heart of California’s Central Valley. As a gateway to Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks, it delivers a growing arts and food scene along with stable career options and cost-friendly living.
Major employers include California State University Fresno, Community Medical Centers, the City of Fresno, and Foster Farms. Startups like Bitwise Industries and Fieldin are helping diversify Fresno’s economy.
Things to do:
- Visit Piemonte’s Italian Delicatessen in the Tower District
- Explore the Forestiere Underground Gardens
- Walk or relax at Woodward Park
- Shop at the Fresno Farmers Market and try local tacos or international cuisine
- Catch music or theater in the Tower District
Stockton: A Revitalized Central Valley City with Affordable Housing
Stockton offers waterfront living, cultural events, and a strengthening job market while maintaining lower housing costs than California’s coastal metros. Its central location makes it a practical choice for commuters and families looking for more affordable options.
Stockton combines waterfront living, cultural revitalization, and a growing job market at lower prices than California’s coastal metros.
Top employers include San Joaquin County government, Stockton Unified School District, Dignity Health hospitals, Bank of Stockton, and the Port of Stockton. Private-sector leaders like Diamond Foods, Super Store Industries, and The Herrick Corporation also contribute to the city’s employment base.
Things to do:
- Visit The Haggin Museum in Victory Park
- Take a boat ride or walk the downtown waterfront
- Explore Pixie Woods or the Children’s Museum of Stockton
- Attend concerts by the Stockton Symphony or shows at the Bob Hope Theatre
- Join annual events like the Asparagus Festival or Brubeck Jazz Festival
Chico: A College Town with Small-City Charm
California’s median home price hovers around $835,500, which can feel out of reach for many families. Chico offers a more affordable alternative, with typical home prices well below the state average. Known for its vibrant college-town energy, thriving farmers markets, and easy access to outdoor recreation, Chico combines a welcoming community with budget-friendly living.
Sources: Redfin, Rocket Homes
Chico blends college-town energy, green spaces, and a vibrant local culture at prices far below coastal California. Home to California State University Chico, the city offers a lively downtown, well-loved farmers markets, and easy access to outdoor recreation.
Notable employers include California State University Chico, Enloe Medical Center, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Tri Counties Bank, and Victor Community Support Services. Tech companies like ClockShark and College Scheduler have added to Chico’s economy.
Things to do:
- Explore Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the nation
- Visit Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. for a tour or tasting
- Shop at the Chico Farmers Market
- Check out live music and community events in City Plaza
- Visit the quirky National Yo-Yo Museum downtown
Sacramento: California’s Capital with a Lower Cost of Living
Sacramento delivers the perks of a big city while keeping costs lower than the Bay Area or Los Angeles. The city offers stable government and healthcare jobs, diverse neighborhoods, and a farm-to-fork dining culture.
Sources: Zillow
Sacramento is California’s capital and a hub for government, healthcare, and education. The city offers a growing arts and dining scene, plus more affordable neighborhoods than the Bay Area or Los Angeles.
The State of California, Sacramento County, Sacramento City Unified School District, Sutter Health, and Dignity Health are some of the major employers in the area. Sacramento also has a budding tech and startup scene in its Midtown district.
Things to do:
- Explore Old Sacramento Waterfront and the California State Railroad Museum
- Bike or walk along the American River Parkway
- Enjoy farm-to-fork dining at local restaurants or festivals
- Visit Crocker Art Museum or attend concerts at the Ace of Spades
- Stroll Midtown’s streets lined with shops, murals, and coffee houses
Victorville: A Southern California City That Stays Affordable
Victorville provides a more budget-friendly option in Southern California without sacrificing space or access to job markets. Its High Desert setting appeals to families looking for a quieter lifestyle within reach of Los Angeles and Inland Empire employers.
Sources: Redfin, Rocket Homes
Victorville in the High Desert is one of the most affordable places to live in Southern California. It offers more space and a lower cost of living while staying within reach of Los Angeles and Inland Empire job markets.
If you move to Victorville, you might find yourself employed by San Bernardino County, Victor Valley College, St. Mary Medical Center, Wal-Mart distribution centers, or Mojave Gas Processing. This means that public services, healthcare, and logistics are central to the local economy.
Things to do:
- Spend a day at Mojave Narrows Regional Park
- Visit the Route 66 Museum downtown
- Drive to Joshua Tree National Park for hiking or sightseeing
- Explore murals, markets, and events in Old Town Victorville
Finding Your Next California Home
California has always drawn people with its mix of natural beauty, diverse communities, and opportunities. Over the years, rising costs in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have made it harder for many families to picture living there.
Today, there are still many cities where affordability meets quality of life. Bakersfield, Fresno, Stockton, Chico, Sacramento, and Victorville each provide their own balance of culture, jobs, and lower housing costs. These communities show that California living can still be within reach for first-time buyers, families, and anyone seeking a new chapter.
You’ve now got a clear picture of what it would look like (and how much it would cost) to move to a California city. But, maybe you’re still deciding whether to move… and how to prepare for it when you are ready. We recommend becoming your own expert on decluttering now, so you can have an easier move down the road!
