These 11 CA Cities Ranked The State's Most Affordable

CALIFORNIA — It’s possible to live in the Golden State without breaking the bank, according to California.com, which recently compiled its list of the 11 cheapest places to live in the state "that still have plenty to offer."

“A rising number of California cities are becoming increasingly expensive, and many Californians — especially aspiring millennial homebuyers and residents living in larger metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco — are certainly feeling the financial squeeze as the state’s housing and rent prices continue to climb but wages stay relatively stagnant,” the website said.

However, residents of the state can stay within driving distance of major cities and attractions on a budget, according to the website.

“While not all of these affordable California cities offer oceanfront property or luxe mountain homes, they each have their own unique appeal — and who knows, they may just surprise you,” the website said.

The ranking is:

1. Clearlake

• Median home price: $216,029
• Median household income as of 2022: $41,047
• Closest major metro area: San Francisco, 2.5 hours

2. Bakersfield

• Median home price: $388,206
• Median income: $73,827
• Closest metro: Los Angeles, two hours

3. Fresno

• Median home price: $384,076
• Median income: $63,001
• Closest metro: San Francisco, about three hours

4. Eureka

• Median home price: $423,791
• Median income: $51,971
• Closest metro: San Francisco, five hours

5. Stockton

• Median home price: $446,012
• Median income: $71,612
• Closest metro: San Francisco, 1.5 hours

6. Clovis

• Median home price: $514,578
• Median income: $98,554
• Closest metro: San Jose, three hours

7. Sacramento

• Median home price: $489,224
• Median income: $78,954
• Closest metro: San Francisco, 1.5 hours

8. Chico

• Median home price: $465,852
• Median income: $65,932
• Closest metro: San Francisco, three hours

9. Fontana

• Median home price: $635,635
• Median income: $93,230
• Closest metro: Los Angeles, one hour

10. Visalia

• Median home price: $386,300
• Median income: $75,658
• Closest metro: Los Angeles, three hours

11. San Jacinto

• Median home price: $479,144
• Median income: $73,682
• Closest metro: Los Angeles, over one hour

Read more from California.com.