California offers the most diverse landscape. From Yosemite’s majestic mountains and Sequoia National Park to the 840-mile coastline, including deserts such as Joshua Tree and Death Valley, as well as stunning beaches, Golden State has something to see all the time. With bustling cities, small towns, beachside paradise and mountain escapes, there are a million reasons to live in California.
If you are considering moving to California, or you are looking to move to a new city, you probably have a budget that you’ll want to stay when you’re looking for a place to live. As of April, the median home sales price in California was $835,500, with an average selling price per square foot of $483.
If that price doesn’t fit your budget, don’t worry. Redfin has collected 14 of the most affordable locations in California. From Fresno to Lancaster, jump in and see the cities on your list.
#1: Porterville
Median home price: $345,000
Average selling price per square foot: $254
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $850
Median household income: $44,095
Nearest Major Metro: Viselia (15 miles)
Homes for Sale in Porterville, California
Porterville, California Apartments Rental
The median home sale price is $355,000, and Porterville ranks number one on the list of affordable locations in California. When you live in this city of 62,600 people, you can check out Murry Park and visit the downtown area, where there are plenty of local shops and restaurants. Or spend the day at Lake Success, where you can camp and enjoy views of Vista Point.
#2: Tulare (Tie)
Median home price: $380,000
Average selling price per square foot: $217
Median household income: $56,024
Nearest Major Metro: Fresno (45 miles)
Home for Sale in Tulea, California
Apartments for rent in Tulea, California
The second in our list of affordable cities to live in California is Tulare. The nearest metro, Tulea, about 45 miles south of Fresno, has about 68,900 residents. If you are considering moving to this area, make sure to visit the Tulare Historical Museum, check out one of the town’s parks and explore the charming downtown.
#2: Madera (tie)
Median home price: $380,000
Average selling price per square foot: $240
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,300
Median household income: $49,335
Nearest Major Metro: Fresno (20 miles)
Madera, California Home for Sale
Madera, California apartments for rent
It’s Madera to tie together the second spot on the list of affordable places to live in California. With a population of around 66,200 people, living in Madera is a great option for those looking for a mid-sized city located in the heart of the state. Check out Lions Town & Country Park, visit the downtown area, or take a day trip to Yosemite when you’re traveling here.
#4: Fresno
Median home price: $414,000
Average selling price per square foot: $242
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,480
Median household income: $44,095
Fresno, California for sale
Apartments for Fresno, California Apartments
The city of Fresno is slightly more expensive than Madera. You may want to check out if you have moved to Fresno. Explore the Tower District, watch concerts at the Strammers, or check out the events at the Save Mart Centre and Saloyan Theatre. You can also visit Fresno State University’s Gibson Farm Market and spend the day exploring the Fresno Chaffee Zoo during the summer, finding local produce like corn and grapes.
>>Read: Fresno, California, Neighborhood
#5: Yuba City
Median home price: $417,500
Average selling price per square foot: $256
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,350
Median household income: $60,910
Nearest Major Metro: Sacramento (40 miles)
Yuba, California, for sale
Yuba City, California apartments for rent
Approximately 70,100 people live in Yuba, a suburb of Sacramento. The median home sales price is $417,500, which is about $415,000 less than the median home sales in California. Visit the downtown area, walk along the Feather River Parkway, and check out the events at the Yubasutter Fairgrounds if you’re planning on moving to the 8th most affordable city.
#6: Bakersfield
Median home price: $420,000
Average selling price per square foot: $236
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,460
Median household income: $65,687
Home for Sale in Bakersfield, California
Apartments for Bakersfield, California Apartments
Another famous city is Bakersfield. The city has a median home sales price of about $40,000 less than the state average. With around 403,500 people calling Bakersfield to their home, it’s the perfect area to consider living this year. Find trails and amphitheater Visit the riverwalk park along the Kern River, explore downtown Bakersfield, explore shops, restaurants and venue homes like the historic Bakersfield Fox Theatre, and there are many activities in the city. You can also check out museums such as the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and the Bakersfield Museum, as well as discover the many Bakersfield districts that make the city unique.
>>Read: Popular Bakersfield, California, Neighborhood
#7: Visalia
Median home price: $421,500
Average selling price per square foot: $242
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,778
Median household income: $44,095
Nearest Major Metro: Fresno (43 miles)
Visalia, California for sale
Apartments for Visalia, California Apartments
The seventh most affordable location in California is Visalia, 43 miles south of Fresno. With 141,400 residents, this affordable town is a great option to add to your list. In Visalia, you can watch concerts at the Visalia Fox Theatre, explore the charming downtown, or visit one of the town’s parks and golf courses.
#8: Merced
Median home price: $422,500
Average selling price per square foot: $255
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,575
Median household income: $49,973
Nearest Major Metro: Modesto (70 miles)
California homes for sale
Apartments for apartments in Merced, California
If you’ve lived in California for a while, you may know Merced. This affordable city is home to around 86,300 residents, almost halfway between Modesto and Fresno. Enjoy the Merced County Fair during the summer, visit Mercedo’s Apple Gate Park Zoo and take a look at Mercedo’s downtown if you live here.
#9: Stockton
Median home price: $435,000
Average selling price per square foot: $278
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,299
Median household income: $58,393
Nearest Major Metro: Sacramento (50 miles)
Stockton California Home for Sale
Stockton, California apartments for rent
Next on our list is Stockton, a popular city in the North Central Valley. The city has a population of 320,800 and you can watch events at Stockton Arena and Bob Hope Theatre, explore Buckley Cove Park and check out the downtown area where you can find shops and museums. While living in Stockton, there is a lot to do in the afternoons and weekends.
#10: Modesto
Median home price: $458,000
Average selling price per square foot: $304
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,535
Median household income: $62,182
Nearest Major Metro: Stockton (30 miles)
Home in Modesto, California
Apartments in Modesto, California
Another great place to consider living in California is Modesto, with a population of around 218,500. Popular things to do in Modesto include checking out the local produce and vendors of the Modesto Certified Farmers Market, strolling downtown Modesto, exploring the Mchenry Museum back to 1912, discovering the Tuolumne River Regional Park.
#11: Lancaster
Median home price: $465,000
Average selling price per square foot: $262
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,750
Median household income: $71,367
Nearest Major Metro: Los Angeles (68 miles)
Lancaster, California Home Lancaster for Sale, California Apartments
The 11th city we will create our list is Lancaster, located in Southern California. It has 57,400 residents. If you want to live near major cities like Los Angeles or Santa Clarita, it’s a great affordable option. Check out the scenic Prime Desert Woodland Preserves, visit Blackbird Air Park, or enjoy a stunning poppy display every spring at Enterope Valley, California.
#12: Citrus Heights
Median home price: $475,000
Average selling price per square foot: $319
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,632
Median household income: $65,867
Nearest Major Metro: Sacramento (15 miles)
Citrus Heights, CA Homes For Sale
Citrus Heights, Apartments for California Apartments
The median home sale price is $475,000, making Citrus Heights the next location on our list of the most affordable locations to live in California. The city is home to about 87,600 people, and the nearby citrus height also gives it a city-like atmosphere. If Citrus Heights is your city, check out green spaces such as Rusch Community Park and Tempo Park and dine at one of the local restaurants.
#13: Sacramento
Median home price: $487,500
Average selling price per square foot: $339
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,949
Median household income: $65,847
Sacramento, California Home for Sale
Apartments for Sacramento California apartments
Sacramento City is another great, affordable city to consider considering a median home selling price of $487,500 and a population of 524,900. There are many reasons to convince you to move to Sacramento. There are also many activities to visit the California State Capitol building and discover museums such as the Crocker Art Museum and the California State Railroad Museum.
See concerts at Ace of Spade and Golden 1 Center, or check out historic sites such as Old Sacramento State Historic Park and Fort State Historic Park in Sutter. Don’t miss exploring the waterfront of Old Sacramento, featuring shops, restaurants and historical tours.
>>Read: Popular Sacramento, California, Neighborhood
#14: Clovis
Median home price: $523,500
Average selling price per square foot: $269
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,491
Median household income: $84,119
Nearest Major Metro: Fresno (9 miles)
Clovis California Home for Sale
Apartments for Clovis, California Apartments
The 14th and final city is Clovis, with a median home sales of $490,000. Clovis, a suburb of Fresno, has a small town feel with views of nearby mountains. Clovis has a lot to do, including exploring the charming Old Town Clovis area with its farmers market, local shops and great restaurants. You can also enjoy the iconic Clovis Rodeo every April and visit the Clovis Botanical Garden on a sunny day.
Methodology: All cities require more than 60,000 residents per US census, and the average selling price per square foot must be below the average selling price for California. Median home sales prices and median sales prices per square foot from Redfin Data Center in April 2025. Average rental data from April 2025. Median household income data from the population and US Census Bureau.
