Affordable Places to Live in Southern California: With its sandy beaches, impressive national parks, abundant forests, and iconic landmarks, California boasts many incredible offerings. The state is also known for its sunny weather most of the year, making it a great place for outdoor recreational activities.
Couple that with a robust economy, excellent food, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Whether you’re looking for a bustling cosmopolitan vibe or want to enjoy the tranquillity of a scenic beach town, the Golden State won’t disappoint.
With so much to offer, it is also considered one of the most expensive states to live in the country. But this shouldn’t discourage you.
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Southern California is cheaper than its Northern counterpart where you can find many affordable places.
Wondering which would be the perfect place to live the SoCal life without breaking the bank?
We’ve got you covered with our list of the most Affordable Places to Live in Southern California
Oxnard #1
Looking for a picturesque beachside city?
Head to Oxnard.
Nestled in Ventura County along the Southern California Coast, Oxnard is a charming city with a rich history and culture.
The Henry T. Oxnard Historic District features numerous buildings with Craftsman, Spanish Colonial, and Period Revival bungalow-style architecture.
The city is also known for its stunning beaches, where you can indulge in various outdoor recreational activities.
Its proximity to Los Angeles makes it a convenient place for commuters.
As of March 2023, the median listing price of homes in Oxnard, California was $762,500, marking a 2.3% increase from the previous year. The median listing price per square foot was $473, providing a rough estimate of the value of each property.
Additionally, the median sold price of homes in Oxnard was recorded at $764,000, indicating that the demand for homes in this area is high, and buyers are willing to pay a premium to live in this beautiful coastal city.
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These figures reflect the overall real estate trends in Oxnard and demonstrate the increasing value of properties in this region.
| Median Listing Home Price/Sq Ft | $473 |
| Median Sold Home Price | $764K |
| Median Listing Home Price | $762.5K |
| Cheapest Neighborhoods To Live In Oxnard | Blackstone South, Oxnard Pacific, Villa Capri, Mar Vista, South Winds |
| Population(2021) | 201,879 |
For morw details about Oxnard, we have covered here: 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Oxnard, CA
What’s more?
The median house price here is around $762,500, less than the state average.
Redlands #2
Relocating with family?
Redlands may be a perfect choice.
Considered a part of the greater Los Angeles area, this growing city offers easy access to LA’s thriving entertainment scene without skyrocketing costs.
It features various cultural and historical attractions including A.K. Smiley Library and the Lincoln Memorial Shrine.
Home to the University of Redlands, it has a sizeable student population and a vibrant arts scene.
You can enjoy all these amenities without breaking the bank since the median house price here is around $541K which is significantly less than the state average.
As of March 2023, the median listing price for homes in Redlands, California, remained consistent from its prior-year level of $600,000.
Furthermore, the median listing price per square foot for Redlands homes stood at $360, and the median selling price stood at $567,500 – providing insight into Redlands’ real estate market and useful for anyone considering buying or selling in Redlands.
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| Population(2021) | 73,288 |
| Median Listing Home Price | $600K |
| Median Sold Home Price | $567500 |
| Median Listing Home Price/Sq Ft | $360 |
| Best Places to Live in Redlands | The Gables, Hermitage, Oaks |
Redlands is one of my personel favourite Affordable Places to Live in Southern California.
Must Read: 06 Best Places to Live in Redlands, CA in 2023
Lancaster #3
Looking for a tranquil suburban vibe with access to city amenities?
Lancaster offers the best of both worlds.
Nestled in the beautiful Antelope Valley, this city offers a host of outdoor recreational activities.
Its proximity to Los Angeles enables day trips to the bustling city to enjoy its vibrant entertainment scene. If you’re a foodie, there are many excellent restaurants here.
With the median home price of around $420K, it is a great option for the budget conscious.
If you are considering Lancaster, California real estate market, it is vitally important to be informed about some key data from March 2023. At that time, median listing home price was $4499.5K which represented a 2.3% year-over-year drop.
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Another key metric to keep an eye on is the median listing home price per square foot in Lancaster, CA which stood at $256 as of March 2023. Though this number has seen some slight fluctuation from month-to-month, it still represents what was seen throughout 2019.
At this time, it would also be useful to examine the median home sold price in Lancaster, CA during March 2023. While lower than its listing home price of $525K, this information still provides invaluable insight into local real estate market dynamics.
| Population(2021) | 1.7 lakhs |
| Median Listing Home Price | $449500 |
| Median Sold Home Price | $425000 |
| Median Listing Home Price/Sq Ft | $256 |
| Best Places to Live in Lancaster | South Downtown Lancaster, El Dorado, Mariposa |
More about Lancaster: Best Places to Live in Lancaster, CA in 2023
Clovis #4
A suburb of Fresno, Clovis is situated near the centre of the state, making it easier to access and explore different parts of California.
From biking on its paved trails to cafe hopping and partying in its numerous bars, there is an array of activities to enjoy here.
There are various lively events held throughout the year that bring the community together.
With its cost of living almost 3% lower than the state average and a median home price of around $480k, it is one of the most affordable places to live in Southern California.
As of March 2023, the median listing home price in Clovis, CA remained flat year-over-year at $492500. Its median listing home price per square foot was $258; while its median home sold price stood at $405K.
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| Population(2021) | 123000 |
| Median Listing Home Price | $492500 |
| Median Sold Home Price | $405000 |
| Median Listing Home Price/Sq Ft | $258 |
| Best Places to Live | Harlan Ranch, Quail Lakes, Tarpey Village, Dewolf |
Oceanside #5
Located in San Diego County, Oceanside is a scenic coastal city that offers an affordable cost of living.
Soak in some surfing history at the California Surf Museum, enjoy stunning views from the Oceanside Pier, or explore the harbor that features plenty of boats, cafes, and a lighthouse, there are endless recreational activities to enjoy here.
There is a military base near the city that draws many people from the field to take up residence here.
The median home price here is around $730K and you can find relatively affordable rental options here.
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| Population(2021) | 173000 |
| Median Listing Home Price | $795000 |
| Median Sold Home Price | $753000 |
| Median Listing Home Price/Sq Ft | $484 |
| Best Places to Live | Townsite, South Oceanside, Fire Mountain |
Temecula #6
Located west of Palm Springs, Temecula is known for its sprawling wineries and its annual hot air balloon festival.
This scenic city offers breath-taking scenery and plenty of outdoor recreational activities that draw many tourists to explore this beautiful place.
However, it is more than a resort town and features excellent schools and well-planned neighbourhoods.
With the median home price of $672K, it is an affordable choice as compared to most other cities in the state.
Temecula, CA, saw its median listing home price remain steady year-over-year at $721.6K for March 2023, with its per-square-foot listing home price at $342 and median sold prices at $678K, respectively.
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| Population(2021) | 110,846 |
| Median Listing Home Price | $721600 |
| Median Sold Home Price | $678000 |
| Median Listing Home Price/Sq Ft | $342 |
| Best Places to Live | GlenOak Hills, Meadowview, Paseo del Sol, Redhawk |
Joshua Tree #7
If you’re an outdoor adventure enthusiast, you’ll love it here. Located in the High Desert of California, this small town offers spectacular scenery and is home to Joshua Tree National Park.
The charming town exudes a rural vibe and offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan cities.
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What’s more?
Los Angeles and Las Vegas are within driving distance enabling exciting weekend getaways.
The median home price here is $390K, a little over half of the state average.
Bakersfield #8
Located in Kern County, Bakersfield draws young professionals, families, and retirees alike owing to its attractive offerings.
It has a thriving oil and agriculture industry and features a vibrant country music scene.
You’ll find many art museums, music halls, aquatic parks, antique stores, casinos, and theatres here, that add to its lively entertainment scene.
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You’ll also find plenty of Basque food restaurants here.
You can enjoy all these offerings at a pocket-friendly price since the median home price here is $380K and the cost of living is almost 20% lower than the city average.
Rancho Cucamonga #9
A hidden urban gem in the state, Rancho Cucamonga is a vibrant city located between Los Angeles and San Bernardino.
Set on the hilly terrain of the Angeles National Forest, this city offers a host of recreational activities.
From enjoying delectable cuisine at its numerous restaurants, sipping on your favourite drink at its wineries, to hiking the Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail, and lounging in Victoria Gardens, there is something here for everyone.
The median home price here is around $670K. Considering the offerings, it is well worth the price.
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Julian #10
Love spending time amidst nature?
Head to Julian.
This scenic mountain town in San Diego County exudes an old-world charm.
From numerous 19th-century buildings, and horse carriages, to stunning forests, it seems like an idyllic haven, away from the noise and congestion of crowded cities.
It features numerous trails and offers a host of outdoor recreational activities.
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With Los Angeles a short drive away, residents have easy access to the city’s bustling nightlife scene.
What’s more?
The median house price here is only $362K, making it one of the cheapest places to live in Southern California.
So, pick the one that attracts you the most and get ready to live your dream life in the Golden State.
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FAQs: Affordable Places to Live in Southern California
Q. What is the cheapest city in Southern California to live in?
Oxnard and Oceanside are some of the cheapest cities to live in Southern California.
Q. Where are the most affordable places to live in Southern California?
Bakersfield, Oxnard, and Julian are some of the most affordable places to live in Southern California.
Q. Which city in California has the lowest cost of living?
Sacramento is considered to have the lowest cost of living in the state.
Thanks 4 the helpful info- appreciated. I’ve been to almost all of these destinations & found them all desirable and beautifully aesthetic (: