California is home to some of the most diverse landscapes – from the majestic mountains of Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks to deserts like Joshua Tree and Death Valley, 840 miles of coastline, stunning beaches and more. With bustling cities, small towns, oceanfront paradises, and mountain resorts, there are a million reasons to live in California.
If you’ve been thinking about moving to California or hoping to move to a new city, you probably also have a budget when it comes to finding accommodations. As of August, California median home sales price Sales price was $859,300, with an average price per square foot of $486.
Don’t worry if the price doesn’t fit your budget. Redfin has rounded up the 12 most affordable places to live in California. from Fresno arrive lancasterlet’s take a look at which cities are on the list.
#1: Porterville
Median house price: $355,000
Average sales price per square foot: $219
Median household income: $44,095
Nearest major metro: Visalia (15 miles)
Homes for Sale in Porterville, CA
Apartments for Rent in Porterville, CA
With a median home sale price of $355,000, Porterville ranks No. 1 on our list of affordable housing in California. While you’re staying in this city of 62,600 people, visit Murray Park and explore the city center, home to many local shops and restaurants. Or spend the day at Lake Success, where you can camp and enjoy the views of Vista Point.
#2: Tulare
Median house price: $369,900
Average sales price per square foot: $222
Median household income: $56,024
Nearest major metro: Fresno (45 miles)
Tulare, CA Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Tulare, CA
Number two on our list of affordable cities to live in California is Tulare. Tulare is located approximately 45 miles south of Fresno, the nearest major metropolitan area, and has approximately 68,900 residents. If you are considering moving to the area, be sure to visit Tulare Historical Museumvisit one of the town’s parks and explore the charming city center.
#3: Madeira
Median house price: $380,000
Average sales price per square foot: $238
Median household income: $49,335
Nearest major metro: Fresno (20 miles)
Madera, CA Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Madera, CA
Madera ranks third on our list of affordable places to live in California. The population is about 66,200 people. Live in Madeira This is a good choice for those looking for a mid-sized city to live in the center of the state. Once you move here, don’t miss visiting the Lion City and country parks, exploring the city center, or taking a day trip to Yosemite National Park.
#4: Fresno
Median house price: $395,000
Average sales price per square foot: $249
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,502
Median household income: $44,095
Homes for sale in Fresno, CA
Apartments for Rent in Fresno, CA
The city of Fresno is only slightly more expensive than Madeira. If you’re up to it, there are a few popular attractions you might want to visit moving to fresno. Be sure to explore the Tower District, catch a concert at Strummers, or catch an event at the Save Mart Center and Saroyan Theatre. You can also visit Gibson Farmers Market At Fresno State, you can find local produce like corn and grapes during the summer and spend a day exploring Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
#5: Merced
Median house price: $395,000
Average sales price per square foot: $249
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,470
Median household income: $49,973
Nearest major metro: Modesto (70 miles)
Merced, CA Homes for Sale
Merced, CA Apartments for Rent
If you’ve lived in California for a while, you likely know Merced. This affordable city of about 86,300 residents is located approximately halfway between Modesto and Fresno. Must enjoy Merced County Fair In the summer, you can visit Merced’s Applegate Park Zoo and tour downtown Merced where residents once lived.
#6: Visalia
Median house price: $405,000
Average sales price per square foot: $238
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,814
Median household income: $44,095
Nearest major metro: Fresno (43 miles)
Homes for sale in Visalia, CA
Apartments for Rent in Visalia, CA
The sixth affordable place in California to consider relocating is Visalia, located 43 miles south of Fresno. This affordable town of 141,400 residents is a great choice. In Visalia you can find Visalia Fox Theaterexplore the charming city center and visit one of the town’s parks or golf courses.
#7: Bakersfield
Median house price: $409,500
Average sales price per square foot: $231
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,352
Median household income: $65,687
Homes for Sale in Bakersfield, CA
Apartments for Rent in Bakersfield, CA
Another notable city is Bakersfield, where the median home sales price is about $550,000 less than the state average. With approximately 403,500 people living in Bakersfield, it’s a great area to consider living this year. Whether you’re visiting The Park at River Walk along the Kern River, with its walking trails and amphitheater, or exploring downtown Bakersfield, with its shops, restaurants, and history There are plenty of things to see and do at places like the Bakersfield Fox Theater. You can also visit museums e.g. Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and Science and Bakersfield Art Museumor find many Bakersfield neighborhood Make this city unique.
#8: Yuba City
Median house price: $440,000
Average sales price per square foot: $264
Median household income: $60,910
Nearest major metro: Sacramento (40 miles)
Homes for sale in Yuba City, CA
Apartments for Rent in Yuba City, CA
Approximately 70,000 people live in Yuba City. The median home sale is $440,000, which is about $415,000 lower than the California median home sale. If you’re moving to the eighth most expensive city, be sure to visit downtown, stroll along the Feather River Parkway, and check out the events at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds.
#9: Modesto
Median house price: $455,000
Average sales price per square foot: $298
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,530
Median household income: $62,182
Nearest major metro: Stockton (30 miles)
Modesto, CA Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Modesto, CA
Another great place to consider living in California is Modesto, which has a population of approximately 218,500 people. Popular attractions and things to do modesto Includes checking out local produce and vendors at the Modesto Certified Farmers Market, strolling through downtown Modesto, and exploring McHenry Museum Dating back to 1912, explore Tuolumne River Regional Park.
#10: Stockton
Median house price: $460,000
Average sales price per square foot: $283
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,199
Median household income: $58,393
Nearest major metro: Sacramento (50 miles)
Stockton, CA Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Stockton, CA
Next on our list is Stockton. In this city of 320,800 people, you can catch an event at the Stockton Arena or the Bob Hope Theatre, explore Barkley Bay Park, and tour the city center with its shops and museums. Lots to do in the afternoon or weekend Live in Stockton.
#11: Lancaster
Median house price: $485,000
Average sales price per square foot: $276
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,218
Median household income: $71,367
Nearest major metro: Los Angeles (68 miles)
Lancaster, CA Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Lancaster, CA
The 11th city on the list is Lancaster, located in Southern California. With 57,400 residents, this is a great and affordable option if you want to live near major cities like Los Angeles and Santa Clarita. In Lancaster, you can visit the scenic Prime Desert Woodland Preserve, visit Blackbird Airpark, or enjoy the stunning poppy display each spring at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve.
#12: Citrus Heights
Median house price: $500,000
Average sales price per square foot: $329
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,721
Median household income: $65,867
Nearest major metro: Sacramento (15 miles)
Citrus Heights, CA Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Citrus Heights, CA
With a median home sale price of $500,000, Citrus Heights ranks last on our list of the most affordable places to live in California. Approximately 87,600 people live in this city. citrus heights A city-like feel without the hustle and bustle of nearby Sacramento. If Citrus Heights is for you, be sure to visit green spaces like Rusch Community Park and Tempo Park and dine at one of the local restaurants.
method: According to the U.S. Census, all cities must have more than 60,000 residents, a median home sales price of less than $500,000, and an average sales price per square foot that is lower than California’s average sales price per square foot. Median home sales and median sales price per square foot Red Fin Information Center Average rent data for the period July 2024 rental network August 2023. U.S. Census Bureau.
