California gives a few of the most various landscapes. From the majestic mountains in Yosemite and Sequoia Nationwide Parks to deserts like Joshua Tree and Dying Valley, 840 miles of shoreline with gorgeous seashores, and far more, there’s all the time one thing to see within the Golden State. With bustling cities, small cities, beachside paradises, and mountain escapes, there are one million causes to stay in California.
In the event you’ve been contemplating transferring to California or are hoping to relocate to a brand new metropolis, you additionally in all probability have a funds you’d like to remain below as you search for a spot to stay. As of April, the median dwelling sale value in California is $835,500 and the common sale value per sq. foot is $483.
If that value doesn’t match into your funds, don’t fear. Redfin has collected 14 of essentially the most inexpensive locations to stay in California. From Fresno to Lancaster, let’s bounce in and see what cities are on the checklist.
#1: Porterville
Median dwelling value: $345,000Average sale value per sq. foot: $254 Common hire for a 1-bedroom residence: $850Median family earnings: $44,095 Nearest main metro: Visalia (15 miles)Porterville, CA properties for salePorterville, CA flats for hire
With a median dwelling sale value of $355,000, Porterville takes the primary spot on our checklist of inexpensive locations to stay in California. When dwelling on this metropolis of 62,600 folks, you may try Murry Park and go to the downtown space the place you’ll discover plenty of native retailers and eating places. Or spend the day at Lake Success the place you may camp and take within the views at Vista Level.
#2: Tulare (tie)
Median dwelling value: $380,000Average sale value per sq. foot: $217Median family earnings: $56,024 Nearest main metro: Fresno (45 miles)Tulare, CA properties for saleTulare, CA flats for hire
Second on our checklist of inexpensive cities to stay in California is Tulare. About 45 miles south of Fresno, the closest main metro, Tulare is dwelling to roughly 68,900 residents. In the event you’re contemplating transferring to this space, be certain to go to the Tulare Historic Museum, try one of many parks on the town, and discover the charming downtown.
#2: Madera (tie)
Median dwelling value: $380,000Average sale value per sq. foot: $240Average hire for a 1-bedroom residence: $1,300Median family earnings: $49,335 Nearest main metro: Fresno (20 miles)Madera, CA properties for saleMadera, CA flats for hire
Tying for the second spot on our checklist of inexpensive locations to stay in California is Madera. With a inhabitants of roughly 66,200, dwelling in Madera is a superb possibility for these searching for a mid-sized metropolis to stay in that’s centrally situated within the coronary heart of the state. Don’t miss out on testing Lions City & Nation Park, visiting the downtown space, or taking a day journey to Yosemite as soon as transferring right here.
#4: Fresno
Median dwelling value: $414,000Average sale value per sq. foot: $242Average hire for a 1-bedroom residence: $1,480Median family earnings: $44,095 Fresno, CA properties for saleFresno, CA flats for hire
Solely barely costlier than Madera is town of Fresno. There are a number of prime sights you could wish to try in case you’re transferring to Fresno. Be certain to discover the Tower District and see a live performance at Strummers or try the occasions at Save Mart Heart and Saroyan Theatre. You may also go to the Gibson Farm Market at Fresno State College the place you’ll discover native produce like corn and grapes throughout the summer time months and spend the day exploring the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
>> Learn: Common Fresno, CA, Neighborhoods to Stay in
#5: Yuba Metropolis
Median dwelling value: $417,500 Common sale value per sq. foot: $256 Common hire for a 1-bedroom residence: $1,350Median family earnings: $60,910 Nearest main metro: Sacramento (40 miles)Yuba Metropolis, CA properties for saleYuba Metropolis, CA flats for hire
About 70,100 folks reside in Yuba Metropolis, a suburb of Sacramento. The median dwelling sale value is $417,500 which is about $415K lower than the median dwelling sale value in California. Be certain to go to the downtown space, stroll alongside the Feather River Parkway, and take a look at the occasions at Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds in case you transfer to the eighth most inexpensive metropolis.
#6: Bakersfield
Median dwelling value: $420,000Average sale value per sq. foot: $236Average hire for a 1-bedroom residence: $1,460Median family earnings: $65,687 Bakersfield, CA properties for saleBakersfield, CA flats for hire
One other well-known metropolis is Bakersfield, the place the median dwelling sale value is about $410K lower than the state’s common. With roughly 403,500 folks calling Bakersfield dwelling, it’s an ideal space to contemplate dwelling on this yr. Whether or not you go to The Park at River Stroll alongside the Kern River the place you’ll discover trails and an amphitheater or discover downtown Bakersfield dwelling to retailers, eating places, and venues like The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater, there are numerous actions to do and see on this metropolis. You may also try museums like Buena Vista Museum of Pure Historical past & Science and Bakersfield Museum of Artwork, or uncover the various Bakersfield neighborhoods that make town distinctive.
>> Learn: Common Bakersfield, CA, Neighborhoods to Stay in
#7: Visalia
Median dwelling value: $421,500Average sale value per sq. foot: $242Average hire for a 1-bedroom residence: $1,778Median family earnings: $44,095 Nearest main metro: Fresno (43 miles)Visalia, CA properties for saleVisalia, CA flats for hire
The seventh most inexpensive place in California to contemplate transferring to is Visalia, which is 43 miles south of Fresno. Residence to 141,400 residents, this inexpensive city is usually a nice possibility so as to add to your checklist. In Visalia, you may see a live performance on the Visalia Fox Theatre, discover the charming downtown, and go to one of many parks or golf programs on the town.
#8: Merced
Median dwelling value: $422,500Average sale value per sq. foot: $255 Common hire for a 1-bedroom residence: $1,575Median family earnings: $49,973 Nearest main metro: Modesto (70 miles)Merced, CA properties for saleMerced, CA flats for hire
In the event you’ve lived in California for some time, likelihood is you recognize of Merced. This inexpensive metropolis is dwelling to roughly 86,300 residents, situated roughly midway between Modesto and Fresno. Make sure to benefit from the Merced County Honest throughout the summer time, go to Merced’s Applegate Park Zoo, and take a look at downtown Merced as soon as dwelling right here.
#9: Stockton
Median dwelling value: $435,000Average sale value per sq. foot: $278Average hire for a 1-bedroom residence: $1,299 Median family earnings: $58,393 Nearest main metro: Sacramento (50 miles)Stockton, CA properties for saleStockton, CA flats for hire
Subsequent up on our checklist is Stockton, a preferred metropolis situated within the north Central Valley. This metropolis has a inhabitants of 320,800 and you may see an occasion at Stockton Enviornment or the Bob Hope Theatre, discover Buckley Cove Park, and take a look at the downtown space the place you’ll discover retailers and museums. There’s a lot to do on a day or weekend whereas dwelling in Stockton.
#10: Modesto
Median dwelling value: $458,000 Common sale value per sq. foot: $304Average hire for a 1-bedroom residence: $1,535 Median family earnings: $62,182 Nearest main metro: Stockton (30 miles)Modesto, CA properties for saleModesto, CA flats for hire
One other great spot to contemplate dwelling in California is Modesto the place the inhabitants is about 218,500. Common issues to do in Modesto embody testing the native produce and distributors at Modesto Licensed Farmers Market, strolling by way of downtown Modesto, exploring the McHenry Museum which dates again to 1912, and discovering the Tuolumne River Regional Park.
#11: Lancaster
Median dwelling value: $465,000 Common sale value per sq. foot: $262Average hire for a 1-bedroom residence: $1,750Median family earnings: $71,367Nearest main metro: Los Angeles (68 miles)Lancaster, CA properties on the market Lancaster, CA flats for hire
The eleventh metropolis to make our checklist is Lancaster, situated in Southern California. Residence to 57,400 residents, it’s an ideal inexpensive possibility if you wish to stay close to main cities like Los Angeles and Santa Clarita. In Lancaster, you may try the scenic Prime Desert Woodland Protect, go to the Blackbird Airpark, or benefit from the gorgeous poppy shows every spring at Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
#12: Citrus Heights
Median dwelling value: $475,000Average sale value per sq. foot: $319Average hire for a 1-bedroom residence: $1,632 Median family earnings: $65,867 Nearest main metro: Sacramento (15 miles)Citrus Heights, CA properties for saleCitrus Heights, CA flats for hire
With a median dwelling sale value of $475,000, Citrus Heights takes the following spot on our checklist of most inexpensive locations to stay in California. There are about 87,600 folks dwelling on this metropolis, giving Citrus Heights a city-like really feel with out the hustle and bustle of close by Sacramento. If Citrus Heights is town for you, make sure to try inexperienced areas like Rusch Group Park and Tempo Park, and have a meal at one of many native eating places.
#13: Sacramento
Median dwelling value: $487,500 Common sale value per sq. foot: $339 Common hire for a 1-bedroom residence: $1,949 Median family earnings: $65,847 Sacramento, CA properties for saleSacramento, CA flats for hire
The town of Sacramento is one other superior inexpensive metropolis to contemplate residing in. With a median dwelling sale value of $487,500 and a inhabitants of 524,900, there are many causes which may persuade you to maneuver to Sacramento. You’ll discover plenty of actions to do as properly, comparable to visiting the California State Capitol constructing and discovering museums like Crocker Artwork Museum and California State Railroad Museum.
You possibly can see a live performance at Ace of Spades or Golden 1 Heart or try historic websites like Previous Sacramento State Historic Park and Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park. Don’t miss out on exploring the Previous Sacramento Waterfront with retailers, eating places, and historical past excursions.
>> Learn: Common Sacramento, CA, Neighborhoods to Stay in
#14: Clovis
Median dwelling value: $523,500Average sale value per sq. foot: $269 Common hire for a 1-bedroom residence: $1,491 Median family earnings: $84,119 Nearest main metro: Fresno (9 miles)Clovis, CA properties for saleClovis, CA flats for hire
The 14th and ultimate metropolis is Clovis the place the median dwelling sale value is $490,000. A suburb of Fresno, Clovis has a small-town really feel with views of the close by mountains. There may be a lot to do in Clovis like exploring the charming Previous City Clovis space the place you’ll discover a farmers market, native retailers, and stellar eating places. You may also benefit from the iconic Clovis Rodeo every April and go to the Clovis Botanical Backyard on a sunny day.
Methodology: All cities will need to have over 60,000 residents per the US Census and the common sale value per sq. foot have to be below the common sale value per sq. foot in California. Median dwelling sale value and median sale value per sq. foot from the Redfin Information Heart throughout April 2025. Common rental information from Lease.com April 2025. Inhabitants and median family earnings information sourced from america Census Bureau.
