Californiais a state that is often associated with high costs of living, especially in its major cities like San Francisco and  Los Angeles. However, the state also has several more affordable places to live, ranging from small towns to larger cities, and from coastal regions to inland areas. California is home to a diverse range of communities that offer a high quality of life at a relatively low cost.

Whether you're a young professional looking to start your career, a family seeking a place to settle down, or a retiree searching for a peaceful community, there are many options to choose from. The cheapest places to live in California, listed below, offer a range of options for those looking to live in the state without breaking the bank. From the northernmost parts of the state to the southernmost regions, these affordable cities and towns have lower costs of living than the state average, and many offer unique attractions and amenities.

While California may be known for its high housing costs, these communities offer median home prices that are well below the state average. In addition to housing, the cost of living in these areas tends to be more affordable than in California's major cities, making them a great choice for those looking to save money. From the scenic coastal town of Eureka to the inland community of Porterville, these 15 cities and towns offer a range of options for those seeking affordable places to live in the Golden State.

Blythe

Blythe is a small city in Riverside County, located in the southeastern part of California. It has a population of around 19,000 people, and the cost of living in Blythe is 25% lower than the state average. The median home price in Blythe is $152,000, making it an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable place to live in California.

Adelanto

Adelanto is another affordable city located in San Bernardino County, in the Mojave Desert region of California. The cost of living in Adelanto is 19% lower than the state average, and the median home price is $218,000. With a population of around 34,000 people, Adelanto offers a small-town feel with easy access to larger cities like Los Angeles and San Bernardino.

Ridgecrest

Ridgecrest is a small city located in Kern County, in the southern part of California. With a population of around 28,000 people, Ridgecrest is a tight-knit community that offers a low cost of living. The median home price in Ridgecrest is $210,000, and the cost of living is 18% lower than the state average.

Taft

Taft is another small city located in Kern County, in the San Joaquin Valley region of California. With a population of around 9,000 people, Taft offers a quiet and affordable place to live. The cost of living in Taft is 18% lower than the state average, and the median home price is $152,000.

Barstow

Barstow is a city located in San Bernardino County, in the Mojave Desert region of California. With a population of around 23,000 people, Barstow offers a small-town feel with easy access to larger cities. The cost of living in Barstow is 17% lower than the state average, and the median home price is $151,000.

Susanville

Susanville is a city located in Lassen County, in the northeastern part of California. With a population of around 15,000 people, Susanville offers a small-town feel and a low cost of living. The cost of living in Susanville is 16% lower than the state average, and the median home price is $198,000.

Yuba City

Yuba City is a city located in Sutter County, in the Sacramento Valley region of California. With a population of around 66,000 people, Yuba City is a larger city that still offers a low cost of living. The cost of living in Yuba City is 14% lower than the state average, and the median home price is $311,000.

Oroville

Oroville is a city located in Butte County, in the northern part of California. With a population of around 20,000 people, Oroville offers a low cost of living and a small-town feel. The cost of living in Oroville is 14% lower than the state average, and the median home price is $253,000.

Merced

Merced is a city located in Merced County, in the San Joaquin Valley region of California. With a population of around 83,000 people, Merced is a larger city that still offers an affordable cost of living. The cost of living in Merced is 12% lower than the state average, and the median home price is $266,000.

Eureka

Eureka is a city located in Humboldt County, in the northern part of California. With a population of around 28,000 people, Eureka offers a low cost of living and a beautiful coastal location. The cost of living in Eureka is 12% lower than the state average, and the median home price is $320,000.

Chico

Chico is a city located in Butte County, in the northern part of California. With a population of around 93,000 people, Chico is a larger city that offers a low cost of living and a vibrant community. The cost of living in Chico is 11% lower than the state average, and the median home price is $359,000.

Hemet

Hemet is a city located in Riverside County, in the southern part of California. With a population of around 85,000 people, Hemet offers a low cost of living and a warm climate. The cost of living in Hemet is 10% lower than the state average, and the median home price is $268,000.

Lake Elsinore

Lake Elsinore is a city located in Riverside County, in the southern part of California. With a population of around 70,000 people, Lake Elsinore offers a low cost of living and a beautiful lakeside location. The cost of living in Lake Elsinore is 9% lower than the state average, and the median home price is $365,000.

Indio

Indio is a city located in Riverside County, in the Coachella Valley region of California. With a population of around 91,000 people, Indio offers a low cost of living and a warm, desert climate. The cost of living in Indio is 8% lower than the state average, and the median home price is $313,000.

Porterville

Porterville is a city located in Tulare County, in the San Joaquin Valley region of California. With a population of around 59,000 people, Porterville offers a low cost of living and a small-town feel. The cost of living in Porterville is 7% lower than the state average, and the median home price is $241,000.

In conclusion, the 15 affordable places to live in California listed above demonstrate that living in this state doesn't have to come at an exorbitant cost. While California is known for its high cost of living, there are still many affordable options for those looking to settle down in the state. These cities and towns offer a variety of living options, from coastal to desert climates, and from small towns to larger cities.

In addition to the lower costs of living and affordable housing, many of these communities offer unique attractions and amenities that make them great places to live. From the arts and culture scene in Santa Paula to the outdoor recreational opportunities in Lakeport, there is something for everyone.

Overall, living in California can be a dream come true for many people. While the state is known for its high costs, these affordable options show that it's possible to live there without breaking the bank. Whether you're a young professional just starting, a family looking for a new home, or a retiree searching for a peaceful community, California has something to offer at every stage of life.