22 Best Places to Live in California [2024]

Ready to take on the adventure of living in California? With so many options to choose from, finding the perfect apartment can feel daunting. But don't worry, we've got your back!

The key to starting your move to California is to select a city that aligns with your lifestyle. And lucky for you, we've curated an ultimate guide to the best places to live in California. Buckle up, let's dive in and find your dream apartment!

(By the way, our transportation score data comes from walkscore.com!)

Best Places to Live in California

1. Sacramento

• Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,241
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,621
• Median Household Income: $78,954
• Population: 528,001
• Walk Score: 49
• Transit Score: 34
• Bike Score: 67
• Cost of Living: 19% Higher than the National Average (read more in our Sacramento Cost of Living Guide)

With over half a million residents, Sacramento attracts individuals from all around the world with its plethora of universities, financial center status, and developmental growth. Although it’s often overlooked compared to other major cities like Los Angeles, Sacramento has a unique vibe, which many describe as an eclectic mix of urban, artsy, modern, and hipster.

There is plenty to explore in the city, including a growing art scene, a robust collection of museums, and a notably large LGBTQ population, many of which reside in the Lavender Heights neighborhood, where you'll find Sacramento's annual Pride Parade. Plus, it's also one of the cheapest places to live in California.

Learn more about other neighborhoods in Sacramento.

2. Santa Rosa

• Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,467
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,892
• Median Household Income: $92,604
• Walk Score: 44
• Transit Score: 27
• Bike Score: 51
• Population: 177,181
• Cost of Living: 51.8% higher than the national average

Santa Rosa is surprisingly diverse, boasting a foreign-born population that makes up 20% of the city and a large LGBTQ community There are loads of great places to live in Santa Rosa, from plentiful new apartment communities, boasting amenities like pools, indoor gyms, and rooftop lounges, to single-family homes.

While Santa Rosa's economy is stable, you won't find many tech companies or startups within city limits like other large CA cities, and most major employers include local schools, local government, and health facilities. Of course, Santa Rosa is a dream destination for wine lovers, offering close proximity to Fountain Grove vineyards and wineries.

3. San Francisco

• Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,188
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,474
• Median Household Income: $136,689
• Walk Score: 89
• Transit Score: 77
• Bike Score: 72
• Population: 873,959
• Cost of Living: 25% Higher than the national average (read our Cost of Living in San Francisco Guide to learn more)

In San Francisco, every resident lives within a 10-minute walking distance from a park and a quarter-mile (or 5-7-minute walk) from a transit stop, making it one of the most popular northern California cities. Cyclists can rejoice too, as the city's updated bike infrastructure means commuters and hobbyists can enjoy smooth, safe rides throughout the city. Throughout San Francisco, you’ll find plenty of gorgeous parks and beaches, perfect for outdoor buffs and fitness lover. As for recreation, San Francisco is home to a bustling nightlife scene and a fair share of tourist destinations, including Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Ocean Beach.

4. San Jose

• Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,487
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,487
• Median Household Income: $125,075
• • Population: 1,021,795
• Walk Score: 49
• Transit Score: 41
• Bike Score: 62

San Jose, otherwise known as Silicon Valley, offers a plethora of tech jobs available in the city, which has a supremely high cost of living. You'll most likely find yourself renting with a roommate until you're able to establish yourself financially.

For graduating college students or those who want to enter the tech industry, San Jose is the perfect place to land an internship or secure a job, with major employers like eBay, PayPal, Zoom, Adobe, Samsung, and Acer. Beyond the booming tech industry, San Jose boasts many recreation and entertainment options for those who live by the motto of "work hard, play hard." The nightlife scene in San Jose is surprisingly impressive, boasting many bars, bistros, and nightclubs for those seeking good eats and libations.

5. Santa Cruz

• Starting Rent: $2,250
• Median Household Income: $105,491
• Walk Score: 62
• Transit Score: 37
• Bike Score: 84
• Population: 61,800
• Cost of Living: 86% higher than the national average

Santa Cruz is your quintessential beach town brimming with those who love water sports and outdoor activities. Expect to rub shoulders with surfers, kayakers, paddle boarders, divers, and swimmers out in the water, as well as skaters and cyclists in the city, thanks to local staples like Santa Cruz Bicycle and Santa Cruz Skateboard.

Like any beach town, a fair portion of the economy is rooted in tourism, though Santa Cruz is also home to prominent agriculture, education, and technology employers. And while your commute time will vary, the average Santa Cruz resident spends just under 24 minutes commuting one way.

6. Fresno

• Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,294
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,294
• Median Household Income: $63,140
• Walk Score: 45
• Transit Score: 32
• Bike Score: 59
• • Population: 531,576
• Cost of Living:

Fresno boasts a unique location as a city located near the geographical center of California, perfectly positioned for anyone who has to travel throughout the state. Outdoor enthusiasts also love that it’s only 60 miles away from Yosemite National Park, where best outdoor adventure of their lives. Plus, with thriving healthcare, government, and education industries, Fresno has plenty of job opportunities.

That said, it's not uncommon to commute outside the city for work, though you should be prepared for a lengthy commute and rising gas costs. On your days off, a trip to the Fulton Mall or Tower District will usually net you a fun experience, with plenty of free public events to enjoy.

7. Santa Barbara

• Starting Rent: $2,395
• Median Household Income: $98,346
• Walk Score: 61
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 66
• • Population: 87,533
• Cost of Living: 54.7% above the national average

Finding employment in Santa Barbara isn't difficult if you work in one of its major employment industries, such as one of the many aerospace and defense companies, city and county government center, or the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB). Although there is no recorded transit score for Santa Barbara, its public transportation system is top-notch, including bus lines that serve the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Santa Barbara City College.

Lastly, Santa Barbara is known for its distinct culture, which features a thriving arts scene, an enthusiasm for outdoor recreation, and a love of museums. Here you’ll find an annual International Film Festival, a massive Bastille Day festival, and several annual music festivals.

8. Santa Monica

• Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,030
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,530
• Median Household Income: $106,797
• Walk Score: 83
• Transit Score: 60
• Bike Score: 88
• Population: 90,401
• Cost of Living: 113% higher than the national average (read more about Cost of Living in Santa Monica)

Santa Monica is more than just another California beachfront city, offering some of the best opportunities for jumpstarting your career, with industry giants such as PUBG, Activision, and Naughty Dog. You’ll also find a plethora of venture capital-funded startups in the area, as well as established media companies like Hulu, Universal Music Group, and Lionsgate Films, which are headquartered in the city.

Of course, the entertainment and recreation offerings are almost endless in Santa Monica, including the famed Palisades Park, the Santa Monica Track Club, the Santa Monica Pier, and the vibrant downtown nightlife.

9. Los Angeles

• Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,611
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,127
• Median Household Income: $76,244
• Walk Score: 69
• Transit Score: 53
• Bike Score: 59
• Population: 3,822,238
• Cost of Living: 51% higher than the national average (Read more about Cost of Living in LA)

Los Angeles is the state's largest and most famous city, offering an unbeatable combination of cultural experiences and big-city excitement. While the city is known for its role as the central hub of the entertainment industry, there's a lot more to living in LA that you should know. You'll likely be able to find employment at some of the biggest Los Angeles employers, including healthcare facilities, the University of Southern California, and a few notable aerospace technology companies.

When it comes to exploring the city, the options are endless. There are many vibrant ethnic enclaves, such as Little Ethiopia, Little Tokyo, Little Koreatown, and many more unique Los Angeles neighborhoods.

10. San Diego

• Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,927
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,485
• Median Household Income: $98,657
• Walk Score: 51
• Transit Score: 37
• Bike Score: 43
• Population: 1,381,162
• Cost of Living: 44% higher than the national average (read more about Cost of Living in San Diego)

San Diego is one of California's largest cities, and, as such, it has a lot to offer a prospective renter. From its thriving metropolis to a downtown waterfront location, it's one of the best places to live in Southern California. If that wasn’t enough, you’ll find a great mix of all the best bits of the state, including Pacific Ocean views, west coast city living, excellent year-round weather, and a variety of recreation options.

But San Diego is more than just a pretty face, offering a plethora of museums, including the renowned San Diego Museum of Art, and a thriving sports scene that includes the San Diego Padres MLB team, you'll never run out of things to do. Gaslamp Quarter (or District, if you’re a native), which is located Downtown, is home to the city's major nightclubs and bars. It’s one of San Diego’s most popular neighborhoods.

11. Sonoma

• Starting Rent: $2,900
• Median Household Income: $99,266
• Walk Score: 95
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 64
• Population: 482,650
• Cost of Living: 51.8% higher than the national average

If you're looking for a picturesque place to call home in California, Sonoma should definitely be on your list! Situated in the stunning Northern California region, Sonoma boasts a relaxed way of life perfectly complemented by breathtaking scenery, making it not only one of the best places to live in the Bay Area but also one of the most beautiful places to call home in the United States.

Sonoma maintains its rustic charm and agricultural heritage, even less than an hour’s drive away from San Francisco. Home to a famous historic center, iconic cultural events, and unforgettable California wineries, Sonoma is an area in California you do not want to forget about when it comes time to choose a place to live.

12. Redlands

• Starting Rent: $1,126
• Median Household Income: $94,473
• Walk Score: 40
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 53
• Population: 73,288
• Cost of Living: 18.6% above the national average

You can find just about anything you’re looking for in the city of Redlands. With a beautiful scenic view and a relatively quiet city life, it’s a great option for anyone looking for a more affordable lifestyle in California. The city boasts a vibrant downtown area with unique shops, making for a fun afternoon walkabout.

However, what Redlands is truly known for is its orange orchards. If you’re looking for a small-town feel without giving up accessibility to nearby attractions and activities, check out Redlands in your next apartment search.

13. Lake Tahoe

• Starting Rent: $1,632
• Median Household Income: $67,686
• Walk Score: 46
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 66
• Population: 21,175
• Cost of Living: 18% higher than the national average

Lake Tahoe borders California and Nevada, with South Lake Tahoe falling within the California state lines. Unsurprisingly, Lake Tahoe is known for its year-round breathtaking beauty year-round, with great hikes and sightseeing during the warmer months of the year and snow activities, including skiing and snowboarding, through winter.

The outdoor enthusiast will love all of the opportunities for adventure in Lake Tahoe, including everything from wakeboarding to paddleboarding to snow-shoeing and more. But living in such a beautiful place doesn’t mean having to give up on your amenities, as South Lake Tahoe has a lively bar and restaurant scene. Plus, you’re a stone's throw away from the Nevada side of the lake, which offers 24-hour casinos.

14. Irvine

• Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,727
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $3,330
• Median Household Income: $122,948
• Walk Score: 47
• Transit Score: 32
• Bike Score: 83
• Population: 313,685
• Cost of Living: 81.1% higher than the national average

Irvine is one of the best places to live in Orange County and one of the happiest cities in the country. The city has an abundance of family-friendly activities, a rapidly growing job market, and safe streets, making it a great place to raise a family.

When you choose to live in Irvine, you get to take advantage of Orange County’s unbeatable weather all year long. In fact, the city sees an average of over 280 sunny days each year! As the cherry on top, the strong job market in Irvine has created a hub for many tech giants, including big names like Toshiba, Amazon, Blizzard Entertainment, and Google.

15. Pasadena

• Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,837
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,375
• Median Household Income: $97,818
• Walk Score: 69
• Transit Score: 51
• Bike Score: 70
• • Population: 135,732
• Cost of Living: 67% higher than the national average

The suburban city of Pasadena is nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles. One of the major draws to Pasadena is its historic charm. Once filled with a vast expanse of ranch land and farmlands, the area became popular in the early 1900s, making craftsman-style homes quite common.

The Southern California sunshine, coupled with the city’s plains, valleys, and hills, makes for some of the best outdoor spaces in the area. Plus, Historic Route 66 strolls through Pasadena along some of the famous parks in the area, including Grant Park, Memorial Park, and Central Park, to name a few.

16. Temecula

• Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,967
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,397
• Median Household Income: $111,881
• Walk Score: 30
• Transit Score: 14
• Bike Score: 29
• Population: 111,752
• Cost of Living: 67% higher than the national average

While Temecula is known for its wineries, you don’t have to be an avid wino to enjoy the views of rolling hills at every turn. In addition to unbeatable sight lines, Temecula is home to some of the best food, music, and people in the state, drawing visitors in with its welcoming small-town feel.

Aside from rolling hills and vineyards, Temecula offers countless shopping, restaurant, and grocery options. As such, traffic can get congested at times., though you can rest assured you have your amenities nearby when needed.

17. Newport Beach

• Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,646
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $3,234
• Median Household Income: $149,471
• Walk Score: 49
• Transit Score: 27
• Bike Score: 53
• Population: 83,993
• Cost of Living: 64.9% higher than the national average

Newport Beach regularly ranks highly in the top safe places in California, making it one of the best places to live in California for families. The picturesque beachfront city enjoys year-round sunsets over the Pacific Ocean and easy access to some of the major stopping points in the state.

Located along Pacific Coast Highway, you can easily get to San Diego to your south or Los Angeles to your north if you’re willing to sit in the traffic. Newport Beach locals take advantage of the sunny weather, and outdoor community activities happen regularly, such as the summertime Sunset Jazz Series and the annual Newport Beach Jazz Festival, or the Christmas Boat Parade in winter.

18. Salinas

• Starting Rent: $2,000
• Median Household Income: $75,747
• Walk Score: 55
• Transit Score: 30
• Bike Score: 50
• Population: 162,791
• Cost of Living: 51.9% higher than the national average

With the self-proclaimed nickname, the “Salad Bowl of the World,” who wouldn’t want to live in Salinas? You’ll find several kinds of farms in Salinas, including flowers, grapes, broccoli, strawberries, and more.

Salinas is also famous as the home of John Steinbeck, who wrote, “The Grapes of Wrath.” On top of its fresh produce and cultural history, the great weather in Salinas means there are countless activities year-round. For example, Toro Park boasts 4,756 acres and countless hiking trails, and locals can enjoy checking out the Monterey Zoo or the First Fridays Art Walk held each month.

19. Modesto

• Average 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,577
• Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,983
• Median Household Income: $73,375
• Walk Score: 48
• Transit Score: 30
• Bike Score: 48
• Population: 218,069
• Cost of Living: 18% higher than the national average (compare Modesto to Sacramento)

If you’re looking for quiet residential neighborhoods in a culturally rich city center, look no further than Modesto, California. Though the area is known for its agricultural industry, what many don’t know is that this city is home to actors Timothy Olyphant, Jeremy Renner, and filmmaker George Lucas.

The central location of Modesto makes it a great spot for adventurers who like quick access to other major destinations. You’re never far from Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, and Lake Tahoe. Although higher than the national average, the cost of living in Modesto is far below many of the more densely populated metropolitan coastal areas, like Los Angeles and San Francisco.

20. Bakersfield

• Average 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,915
• Average 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,808
• Median Household Income: $73,827
• Walk Score: 37
• Transit Score: 25
• Bike Score: 44
• Population: 410,647
• Cost of Living: 9% higher than the national average (read more about Cost of Living in Bakersfield)

To the right of the famous Sequoia National Forest, you will find Bakersfield, California. Located in Kern County, Bakersfield is a southern California city that is known for affordable housing and high quality of life.

Bakersfield might not be able to offer residents the nightly sunsets on the Pacific, but it still boasts the unbeatable southern California weather and countless opportunities in entertainment and business. Plus, modern country fans will feel right at home, as Bakersfield is known as the “country music capital of the west coast."

21. Visalia

• Starting Rent: $765
• Median Household Income: $75,658
• Walk Score: 39
• Transit Score: N/A
• Bike Score: 48
• Population: 143,966
• Cost of Living:

In the Central Valley of California, you’ll find Visalia. Nestled between Bakersfield and Fresno, Visalia offers an abundance of culture, nightlife, education, and recreational activities. It’s also home to a multitude of celebrations of the arts, like the Taste the Arts Festival. As such, this small city often boasts a big-city feel without the price tag. Outdoor enthusiasts will certainly enjoy its proximity to the Sequoia National Forest and Kings Canyon National Park.

22. Stockton

• Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,356
• Median 2-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,699
• Median Household Income: $71,612
• Walk Score: 44
• Transit Score: 25
• Bike Score: 52
• Population: 322,120
• Cost of Living: 22% higher than the national average (compare Stockton to Tracy)

If you’re looking for affordable places to live in California, Stockton might be a good fit. With a diverse community offering locals everything from the first Sikh temple in the US to Japanese grocery stores, Stockton is truly a melting pot. It’s one of the few cheap places to live in California, especially for the northern region of the state. Surrounded by local organic produce and vineyards, Stockton has plenty of fresh food and beverage all around. For those looking to work in major cities like San Jose, Sacramento, or San Francisco, Stockton might be a more affordable option to consider.

Make Your Move to California

California is one of the most exciting places to live in the United States, from the hustle and bustle of major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco to the laid-back charm of towns like Santa Cruz and Sonoma. Whether you’re looking for great schools, outdoor recreation, or a vibrant nightlife, you’ll be able to find it in California. Make sure to take our quiz to find the perfect California apartment to fit your needs and lifestyle!