Cheapest Places to Live in California (2025) | Safe & Affordable Cities

Think California’s too expensive to call home in 2025? Think again.

From Bakersfield to Chico, there are cities where home prices stay low, rent is under $1,200, and safety doesn’t cost a premium.

In this guide, we reveal the cheapest and safest places to live in California—backed by 2025 data. Whether you're a first-time buyer, remote worker, or planning to retire, you'll find:

• Cities with home prices under $400K
• Low rent and cost-of-living indexes
• Safe, family-friendly neighborhoods

Let’s find your affordable California dream—with zero compromises.

California is mainly famous for its expensive cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. But it still has many affordable towns and cities for living. Many cities provide comparable amenities, job opportunities, and stunning natural beauty. 

Several places in California are seeing significant job growth. This makes them appealing for families and young professionals. For example, cities like Fresno and Bakersfield tend to have lower housing costs. Therefore, offering a more affordable Californian lifestyle.

Wondering if it’s cheaper to build than buy in affordable areas like Bakersfield or Fresno? Here’s a full breakdown of how much it really costs to build a house—and how you can cut costs before you even move in.

Find the Perfect Mortgage in California with Be My Neighbor.

Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance—all in one place.

Get Pre-approved

Let's dive into the most affordable places to live in California for 2024. The following CA cities are famous for their low cost of living and affordable housing options.

• Average Home Price: About $350,000
• Cost of Living Index: 20% lower than the national average

Fresno is an excellent choice for living. It is for those who want affordable housing near major California attractions. The city offers a robust job market, especially in agriculture and healthcare. You can explore listings for cheap houses for sale in California.

• Average Home Price: Approximately $325,000
• Cost of Living Index: 19% lower than the national average

Bakersfield combines affordability with rich cultural offerings. This makes it a unique Californian destination. The city's economy thrives on agriculture and energy. It also provides access to hiking areas and outdoor activities.

Before making an offer in cities like Fresno or Bakersfield, make sure you understand how much a home inspection costs —so there are no surprises after you fall in love with the price tag.

• Average Home Price: Around $450,000
• Cost of Living Index: Close to the national average

Riverside offers a balance between affordable living and proximity to Los Angeles. It is known for its historic downtown, Riverside boasts amenities and educational institutions.

• Average Home Price: Roughly $410,000
• Cost of Living Index: 6% lower than the national average

Stockton is a hidden gem in the Central Valley that is often overlooked. This city has a diverse community and abundant recreational options. This includes parks and waterfronts.

• Average Home Price: Approximately $500,000
• Cost of Living Index: Close to the national average

Sacramento, the state capital, has rapidly become more affordable. Especially when it is compared to the Bay Area. It offers a burgeoning food scene, cultural events, and outdoor recreational activities. This makes it an attractive option for families.

Find the Perfect Mortgage in California with Be My Neighbor.

Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance—all in one place.

Get Pre-approved

Many other affordable places to live in the US offer great opportunities. States like Texas and Arizona are known for their low cost of living.

• Austin, TX: It is known for its growing tech hub with a vibrant culture.
• Tucson, AZ: It is known for its affordable housing and excellent scenery. The city is also renowned for its universities.
• Cincinnati, OH: The city has low housing costs and diverse job opportunities.

Although California is known for being expensive, it also has some of the cheapest places to live in the US. Cities like Fresno, Bakersfield, and Stockton compete against options in other states like Arizona and Texas.

• Quality of Life: Cities in California might offer a higher quality of life. This is mainly due to their vibrant culture, climate, and recreational activities. 
• Employment Opportunities: California has a larger job market compared to many other low-cost states. There are multiple opportunities, particularly in tech, entertainment, and tourism.

If you're searching for a city that balances affordability, amenities, and livability, your top options are:

• Bakersfield – Cheapest cost of homeownership + solid economy
• Fresno – Close to nature, low housing costs, and vibrant community
• Victorville – Quiet and budget-friendly desert escape near major metros

These cities rank as some of the most affordable and nicest places to live in California—ideal for first-time buyers, families, and remote workers alike.

Finding cheap affordable apartments in California can be challenging. However, cities like Fresno and Bakersfield offer rental options that are significantly lower than coastal cities. Prospective renters should consider:

• Shared Living: Consider sharing costs with roommates.
• Incentive Programs: Look into local housing programs that may provide rental assistance.

You should explore cheap houses for sale in California to find the right fit for your budget.

Not sure whether to rent or buy in places like Victorville or Stockton? Here’s how to decide the best time to buy a house —and why waiting could cost you more long-term.

The answer isn't straightforward. States like Arkansas and Mississippi are the cheapest. They have significantly lower prices compared to California. Here’s a snapshot:

• Arkansas: Average home prices below $180,000.
• Mississippi: Homes are often priced under $160,000.

This is advantageous for individuals who want to relocate to a lower-cost-of-living state.

Yes—several cities in California offer a rare combo of safety and affordability:

• Sacramento – Strong community policing, affordable homes, and family activities
• Chico – Low crime, scenic beauty, and affordable real estate
• Palmdale – Safe neighborhoods, aerospace industry jobs, and budget housing

You don’t have to compromise on security to save money. These cities deliver both.

• Fresno – Great schools, low home prices, and family activities
• Chico – Quiet, clean, and ideal for raising kids
• Sacramento – Parks, museums, and strong school systems

• Hemet – Popular retirement community with low cost of living
• Palm Desert – Warm weather + healthcare access at budget prices
• Modesto – Walkable and peaceful with access to hospitals and nature

• Bakersfield – Affordable, growing economy, and fun nightlife
• Riverside – University town close to LA, lots of job options
• Stockton – Bay Area proximity without Bay Area prices

The most affordable city to live in California in 2025 is Bakersfield. With average home prices around $325,000 and a cost of living nearly 20% below the national average, it's consistently ranked as the cheapest city for homebuyers. Close behind are Fresno and Victorville, offering affordable housing, strong job growth, and family-friendly amenities.

The cheapest and safest places to live in California include Chico, Palmdale, and Sacramento suburbs. These cities offer a rare balance of low housing costs and above-average safety ratings, making them ideal for families, retirees, and first-time buyers.

In 2025, the California city with the lowest rent is Bakersfield, where average 1-bedroom apartments cost about $1,150/month. Other low-rent cities include Victorville, Hemet, and Fresno—all offering significant savings compared to Los Angeles or San Francisco.

Yes—there are still affordable places to live in California. While coastal cities are pricey, inland gems like Stockton, Modesto, and Fresno offer affordable homes, lower rent, and growing job markets. You can still live in California without overpaying—if you know where to look.

In 2025, the best affordable places in California vary by lifestyle:

• Families: Choose Fresno, Chico, or Sacramento for good schools and affordable homes.
• Retirees: Look to Hemet, Palm Desert, or Modesto for peace, low taxes, and healthcare access.
• Young Adults: Prefer Bakersfield, Riverside, or Stockton for jobs, social life, and cheaper rent.

Let reAlpha help you unlock your dream home affordably and confidently.

With up to 75% commission cash-back, you can keep thousands more in your pocket:

• Start with 25% by using a reAlpha agent
• Add Mortgage for 50%
• Add Title to unlock the full 75% rebate

Find the Perfect Mortgage in California with Be My Neighbor.

Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance—all in one place.

Get Pre-approved