California boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from majestic mountains in Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks to deserts like Joshua Tree and Death Valley, 840 miles of coastline with stunning beaches, and more. With bustling cities, small towns, beachside paradises, and mountain retreats, there are countless reasons to call California home.
For those considering a move to California or looking to relocate within the state, budget is likely a key factor. As of August, the median home sale price in California is $859,300, with an average sale price per square foot of $486.
If these prices are beyond your budget, don’t worry. Redfin has compiled a list of 12 affordable places to live in California, from Fresno to Lancaster. Let’s take a closer look at these cities.
#1: Porterville
Median home price: $355,000
Average sale price per square foot: $219
Median household income: $44,095
Nearest major metro: Visalia (15 miles)
Explore Murry Park, downtown shops, and Lake Success in Porterville, where the median home price is affordable at $355,000.
#2: Tulare
Median home price: $369,900
Average sale price per square foot: $222
Median household income: $56,024
Nearest major metro: Fresno (45 miles)
Discover the charms of Tulare, with a median home price of $369,900 and attractions like Tulare Historical Museum and local parks.
#3: Madera
Median home price: $380,000
Average sale price per square foot: $238
Median household income: $49,335
Nearest major metro: Fresno (20 miles)
Madera, with a median home price of $380,000, offers a central location and attractions like Lions Town & Country Park.
#4: Fresno
Median home price: $395,000
Average sale price per square foot: $249
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,502
Median household income: $44,095
Explore Fresno, with a median home price of $395,000, and attractions like Tower District, Gibson Farm Market, and Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
#5: Merced
Median home price: $395,000
Average sale price per square foot: $249
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,470
Median household income: $49,973
Nearest major metro: Modesto (70 miles)
Discover Merced, with a median home price of $395,000, and attractions like Merced County Fair and downtown Merced.
#6: Visalia
Median home price: $405,000
Average sale price per square foot: $238
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,814
Median household income: $44,095
Nearest major metro: Fresno (43 miles)
Explore Visalia, with a median home price of $405,000, and attractions like Visalia Fox Theatre, downtown area, and local parks.
#7: Bakersfield
Median home price: $409,500
Average sale price per square foot: $231
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,352
Median household income: $65,687
Explore Bakersfield, with a median home price of $409,500, and attractions like The Park at River Walk, downtown area, and local museums.
#8: Yuba City
Median home price: $440,000
Average sale price per square foot: $264
Median household income: $60,910
Nearest major metro: Sacramento (40 miles)
Discover Yuba City, with a median home price of $440,000, and attractions like downtown area and Feather River Parkway.
#9: Modesto
Median home price: $455,000
Average sale price per square foot: $298
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,530
Median household income: $62,182
Nearest major metro: Stockton (30 miles)
Discover Modesto, with a median home price of $455,000, and attractions like farmers market, downtown area, and McHenry Museum.
#10: Stockton
Median home price: $460,000
Average sale price per square foot: $283
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,199
Median household income: $58,393
Nearest major metro: Sacramento (50 miles)
Explore Stockton, with a median home price of $460,000, and attractions like Stockton Arena, Buckley Cove Park, and downtown area.
#11: Lancaster
Median home price: $485,000
Average sale price per square foot: $276
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,218
Median household income: $71,367
Nearest major metro: Los Angeles (68 miles)
Discover Lancaster, with a median home price of $485,000, and attractions like Prime Desert Woodland Preserve, Blackbird Airpark, and Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
#12: Citrus Heights
Median home price: $500,000
Average sale price per square foot: $329
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,721
Median household income: $65,867
Nearest major metro: Sacramento (15 miles)
Explore Citrus Heights, with a median home price of $500,000, and attractions like Rusch Community Park, Tempo Park, and local restaurants.
Methodology: All cities must have over 60,000 residents per the US Census, a median home sale price under $500,000, and an average sale price per square foot lower than the state average. Data sourced from the Redfin Data Center, Rent.com, and the United States Census Bureau.