According to new data from the US Census Bureau, the most expensive cities in California are Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, San Jose, Oakland, and San Francisco. These cities are known for their high cost of living, including pricey real estate, transportation, and other daily expenses.
California is a state known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and picturesque landscapes. However, it’s also known for its high cost of living, with some of its cities ranking among the most expensive places to reside in the United States.
If you’re considering moving to California or relocating within the state, it’s crucial to understand which cities will put the most strain on your wallet.
In this blog post, we will explore the most expensive cities to live in California, taking into account factors such as housing costs, transportation expenses, and overall cost of living.
We will provide a comprehensive overview of each city’s average home prices, median household income, and other essential data to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or a family looking to relocate, our aim is to provide you with valuable information that will help you weigh the pros and cons of living in California’s most expensive cities.
By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of which cities are within your budget and which ones you may need to reconsider.
Most Expensive Places to Live in California
14. Newport Beach
Newport Beach is one of California’s priciest cities to call home, but it’s easy to see why people are attracted to this beautiful coastal town.
With a population of 86,694 and an impressive median household income of $3.4 million, Newport Beach offers its residents luxury living and stunning ocean views.
Located in the affluent region of Orange County, this city features upscale neighborhoods like Corona del Mar and Balboa Island.
Living in Newport Beach means enjoying access to top-notch amenities like high-end shops, exquisite dining experiences, and picturesque beaches such as Crystal Cove State Park.
The high cost associated with Newport Beach isn’t just about location; limited housing options combined with the strong demand for properties contribute significantly to skyrocketing real estate prices.
13. Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a beautiful coastal city in California that comes with a high price tag. The vibrant atmosphere and stunning ocean views, along with a population of around 90,401, make it an appealing place to live.
With median home values estimated at $1.8 million and average rents for one-bedroom apartments hovering around $3,740 per month, living here definitely requires deep pockets.
Despite the high cost of living in Santa Monica, the city offers many advantages that residents find worth the expense. Residents enjoy sunny weather almost all year round and can relax on iconic Santa Monica Beach or visit the famous pier filled with entertainment options.
This tourist hotspot also features world-class shopping districts and exclusive restaurants. The excellent schools in Santa Monica further add to its appeal among families seeking top-notch education for their children.
12. Burlingame
Burlingame is a charming city in the San Francisco Bay Area, is among California’s most expensive places to live. With its population of 32,254 and a cost of living index of 379.0, it’s an attractive suburban destination for people who value convenience and connectivity.
This area has excellent public transportation systems that make traveling around the region seamless and comfortable. The city’s strategic location near Silicon Valley makes it a prime spot for tech workers and businesses alike.
Limited land available for development also contributes to high real estate prices in Burlingame. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $2,517 per month.
Residents enjoy the high quality of life Burlingame offers, including exceptional schools, beautiful parks, and fantastic dining options.
11. Palo Alto
Palo Alto is a distinguished city in California located at the heart of Silicon Valley and is recognized as one of the most expensive places to reside. With 64,768 residents and a cost of living at 256% above the U.S. average, this city attracts individuals who appreciate its mixture of innovation and idyllic surroundings.
The median household income in Palo Alto is an impressive $158,271 while the median home value stands at a remarkable $3.7 million. Additionally, renting a one-bedroom apartment here averages about $3,500 per month. Despite these high costs associated with living in this prestigious area, many are drawn to its unique perks.
Palo Alto boasts exceptional public schools and proximity to world-renowned tech giants such as Google and Facebook; it offers excellent job opportunities for those ready to work alongside industry leaders within cutting-edge projects all while enjoying incredible amenities provided by nearby shopping districts or parks showcasing natural beauty seen
Limited housing availability combined with constant demand from highly-paid professionals help drive up property prices thus making it more challenging to find affordable accommodation options though still feel the lifestyle offered justifies the extra expense incurred
10. Los Altos
Los Altos is nestled in the hills of San Francisco’s tech hub and is considered one of the most expensive cities in California. Its location plays a significant role in its high cost of living, as it sits close to major tech companies in Palo Alto and Menlo Park.
The city boasts excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a median home value of $4,150,436. People are willing to pay top dollar for housing in this area due to its strong appeal.
However, limited land availability means many Los Altos homes are older and lack the modern amenities that buyers often seek. As a result, real estate prices rise even higher because supply cannot meet demand.
Los Altos’ average monthly rent stands at $2,901 but living here brings benefits beyond access to Silicon Valley jobs or high-performing school systems: residents revel in being part of an exclusive community where the quality of life is second-to-none.
9. Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is well-known for its luxurious lifestyle and high cost of living. With a median home value of $3,902,939 and an average rent price of $2,675 per month, it’s no surprise that Beverly Hills ranks among the most expensive cities in California. The city attracts residents with its elegance and convenience.
One factor contributing to Beverly Hills’ steep prices is its ideal location near downtown Los Angeles and popular tourist attractions. The year-round mild weather also adds to the appeal of this famous city.
Moreover, Beverly Hills has established itself as a safe and affluent community that boasts remarkable shopping districts and exquisite dining experiences.
Stringent zoning laws limit the housing supply in the area which further drives up demand and costs for those seeking to call it home.
9. Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a coastal city in California known for its breathtaking beauty and is among the state’s most expensive places to live.
With 90,911 residents and a cost of living at 117.9% above the US average, this city has become synonymous with luxury living owing to factors such as stunning beach locations and mild Mediterranean climate.
The median home price in Santa Barbara stands at $1,824,110 while monthly rent for an apartment averages around $2,550. Despite these high costs, residents can appreciate various advantages of living in this elegant city.
Santa Barbara offers not only top-quality schools but also plentiful recreational opportunities like hiking trails or wine-tasting tours that attract people from other parts of the country. The cultural landscape remains vibrant due to various museums and art galleries waiting to be explored.
8. Salinas
Salinas is a bustling city with a population of 156,177 and ranks among California’s most expensive places to live. Its high cost of living can be attributed to multiple factors: for one, it boasts an average home price of $733,725 and an average monthly rent of $2,145. Salinas’ proximity to San Francisco and wonderful attractions like Monterey Bay and Carmel-by-the-Sea make it highly desirable.
Although life in Salinas comes with a price tag of around 40.5% higher than the national average, its residents enjoy various benefits. The city has first-rate schools and job opportunities that continue attracting new residents; this leads to increased demand for housing while driving up property prices even higher.
The thriving local economy also contributes to the rising costs of living in Salinas; however, those who choose this vibrant community know they’ll have access to countless amenities coupled with great employment options.
7. Santa Ana
Santa Ana is a dynamic city in California with a population of 332,610 and is known for its diverse culture and warm weather year-round. The high cost of living in Santa Ana includes a median home price of $806,406 and an average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment at nearly $2,053 per month.
However, the benefits often surpass the expenses for those who decide to call it their home. This thriving city offers excellent schools and parks alongside numerous recreational options that cater to families and individuals alike.
Conveniently located near Los Angeles and San Diego, residents can easily access big-city amenities while enjoying daily life within Santa Ana’s comfortable neighborhoods.
High demand for housing coupled with limited supply contributes significantly to the steep property prices in this area. Living in Santa Ana also entails dealing with California’s general high cost of living – from taxes to essential services.
6. Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California’s largest city with a population of around 3.973 million, is also one of its most expensive places to reside. Known for its sunny climate and thriving entertainment industry, living in LA comes at a cost: the median home price here stands at $991,551 while the average monthly rent for an apartment hovers around $2,734.
Despite being 76.2% above the national average cost of living, Los Angeles offers several benefits that make it an attractive place to live. The city boasts numerous job opportunities in various industries such as film & television production, technology, and fashion.
Living in LA means experiencing a diverse and vibrant culture comprising world-class restaurants and shopping destinations along with impressive arts scenes. Moreover, residents enjoy access to beautiful beaches and famous tourist attractions such as Hollywood or Universal Studios.
The city’s high housing costs can be attributed to strong demand combined with limited land availability due to geographical constraints like mountains surrounding the area.
4. San Diego
San Diego, a picturesque coastal city in southern California, is well-known for its beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine. With a population of 1.415 million, this vibrant city’s cost of living stands at 60.1% above the U.S. average due to factors such as high housing demand and a thriving tourism industry.
The median household income in San Diego is $83,454 while the median home price is reported to be around $981,548. The average monthly rent for an apartment here hovers at about $2,916.
Despite the high costs associated with living in this sunny paradise, residents enjoy numerous benefits that make it worth calling home.
San Diego offers exceptional schools and ample job opportunities provided by various industries like life sciences, defense contracting, or telecommunications alongside innovative startups drawn to the region’s fast-paced business climate.
3. San Jose
San Jose, a thriving city in the heart of Silicon Valley, ranks among California’s most expensive places to live. Its strong job market and technological advancements attract millions of people worldwide.
With 1.029 million residents, San Jose offers excellent amenities that justify its cost of living at 115% above the U.S. average.
The median household income in this city stands at $117,324 while the median home price reaches an impressive $1,437,021. Furthermore, tenants can expect an average monthly rent of around $2,972 for an apartment.
Despite these high costs associated with living in San Jose, residents enjoy access to top-notch public schools and parks as well as prestigious companies like Google and Facebook headquartered nearby.
The city’s unique position within Silicon Valley drives up housing prices as more workers are drawn to the region for lucrative career opportunities offered by innovative tech giants along with attractive startup ventures seeking their piece of cutting-edge.
2. Oakland
Oakland is a bustling city in the Bay Area of California and is known for its diverse culture and unique vibe. With a population of 422,575 and an exciting arts scene, Oakland ranks among the state’s most expensive cities to live in.
Although pricey with a cost of living at 74.4% above the U.S. average due to factors such as housing demand and proximity to San Francisco.
The median household income in Oakland is $80,143 while the median home price reaches around $981,287; at the same time, renting costs average about $2,200 per month for an apartment. Though residing here has its expenses attached, it also offers numerous benefits that make life enjoyable.
Oakland provides various opportunities for work and entertainment due to its close geographic range from San Francisco and Berkeley; this makes it a desirable location for those who appreciate urban living with ample amenities available right on their doorstep.
1. San Francisco
San Francisco ranks as the most expensive place to live in California with a cost of living at 169.3% above the U.S. average, this urban center offers an appealing combination of the richest neighborhoods, natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.
The median household income in San Francisco is $119,136 while the median home price stands at an astounding $1,576,808. While renting an apartment here averages around $2,681 per month.
Despite these considerable costs associated with living in this bustling metropolis, many find that its amenities make it worth each dollar spent.
San Francisco’s economy thrives due to its position as a leading tech hub; several prestigious companies have their headquarters within or near city limits.
This leads to numerous job opportunities for those eager to work on cutting-edge projects alongside innovative giants’ resources attracting newcomers annually despite higher property values driven by limited land availability coupled with high demand.