I’m always longing to get back to California. This gorgeous state has seemingly endless miles of epic coastline, a laid-back attitude, and hundreds of soft sandy beaches (Santa Rosa I’m looking at you!). Something I love about California is that the atmosphere varies wildly from city to city. These are seven cities in California that you’ll fall in love with when visiting.
Cost of Living in California in 2023
In 2023, the cost of living in California is expected to remain high. The state has a reputation for being one of the most expensive places to live in the United States, and this trend is likely to continue. Housing costs are particularly high, with median home prices in some cities reaching well over $1 million. Renting can also be expensive, with average monthly rents ranging from $1
500 to $2,500 in some cities. Groceries and other necessities are also costly, with the cost of living index for California being higher than the national average.
However, there are still some cities in California where the cost of living is more affordable. For example, Fresno and Bakersfield have lower median home prices than many other cities in the state, making them attractive to people on a budget.
Median Price of Living in California
California is one of the most expensive states to live in, with a median price of living that is higher than the national average. The cost of living varies greatly from city to city, however, and some cities are more affordable than others.
San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in California, with a median price of living that is nearly double the national average. San Francisco has
SAN DIEGO
San Diego offers a surprising amount of fun things to do and see. The city offers something for everyone, from beaches to inland valleys. San Diego restaurants treat you to delicious cuisine, that is some of the best food I’ve had in California.
Plus, the city has almost perfect weather year round, making it easily one of the best cities in California, and as good as a weekend in Nashville. Make sure you grab one of the best airbnb’s to stay in San Deigo.
Outdoor Activities in San Diego
San Diego is one of the best cities in California for outdoor activities. With its mild climate and beautiful scenery, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to San Diego for their outdoor adventures. From hiking and biking to surfing and kayaking, there are plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors.
Hiking is a popular activity in San Diego, with trails ranging from coastal trails, to hikes in the mountains. Don’t forget to check out the best hikes in San Diego before heading out.
LA MESA
If you are looking to escape the San Diego sprawl, La Mesa is an excellent choice. It’s just ten miles outside San Diego and offers epic vistas, still lakes, and local shops. A few of the popular things to do in La Mesa are heading out to explore the unbelievable scenery, shopping at the antique mall, and enjoying delicious wine tastings.
SANTA BARBRA
Somehow, Santa Barbara has a small-town feel that makes you feel right at home. The chill atmosphere, beautiful neighborhoods, and pristine beaches make Santa Barbara one of my favorite cities in California. The town has an exceptional reputation for its food, especially the tacos (Also do you know the fun facts of Mexico when the word taco first appeared). As well as the adventures, and spectacular drives.
Santa Barbara’s Attractions
Santa Barbara is a beautiful coastal city in California that offers plenty of attractions for visitors. From its stunning beaches to its vibrant downtown, Santa Barbara has something for everyone.
One of the most popular attractions in Santa Barbara is Stearns Wharf, which is located on the waterfront and offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and activities. Visitors can take a stroll along the pier and enjoy
SANTA CRUZ
Outdoor lovers will feel right at home when visiting Santa Cruz. The city has a stunning waterfront where hikers and bikers spend their mornings and afternoons. There are also a lot of sailing excursions, roadside attractions, street art, and beach concerts. This city has a nice buzz that is quite infectious.
MONTEREY
The heart of Monterey is found on Cannery Row. This waterside street is a major tourist hub with odd bars, lavish hotels, stylish restaurants, and relaxed shopping. It’s a perfect spot for a vacation, similar to the best things to do in the Big Sur. And the city offers a lot more things to do like the state park, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Marine Sanctuary. I highly suggest checking out the nearby Big Sur coastline which is one of the most incredible parts of the country.
MONTEBELLO
Montebello is just outside of L.A. which makes it an excellent location for people wanting to tour the city but then retreat from all the craziness to a more comfortable setting. Montebello has a lot of outdoor ventures like hiking, fishing, boating, and disc golf. There are a lot of reasonably priced hotel options as well.
Sacramento – Capital City
Sacramento, the capital city of California, is a great place to live and visit. Located in the heart of the Central Valley, Sacramento offers an abundance of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and entertainment options. From its vibrant downtown area to its numerous parks and trails, Sacramento has something for everyone.
The city is home to some of California’s most iconic landmarks including the
California State Capitol, the Tower Bridge, and the Crocker Art Museum. Sacramento also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues. The city is also home to some of California’s best restaurants, bars, and nightlife spots.
Sacramento is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. And one of the major cities for people to live in.
SAN JOSE – Silicon Valley
San Jose, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is one of the best cities in California. It is home to some of the world’s most innovative companies and has become a hub for technology and innovation. San Jose is also known for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and beautiful scenery.
The city offers a variety of attractions including museums, galleries, parks, and theaters
San Jose is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, including Stanford University and Santa Clara University. The city also has a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues.
The city is known for its excellent public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around town. San Jose also has an extensive bike-sharing program that allows residents to rent
San Jose is booming. The city is alive, mainly because of silicon valley, with events, restaurants, and nightlife. San Jose also has world-class hockey, fantastic wineries, a marvelous bay, and a buzzing food scene. All these reasons make San Jose one of the most popular places to visit in California. I love it.
Cost of Living in Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley is one of the most expensive places to live in California, and the cost of living can be quite high. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Silicon Valley is around $2,500 per month, which is significantly higher than the national average. Additionally, groceries and other everyday items are also more expensive in Silicon Valley due to its proximity to San Francisco and other major Silicon Valley is one of the most expensive places to live in California, and for good reason. It is home to some of the world’s most innovative companies, including Apple, Google, and Facebook. Additionally, Silicon Valley has a vibrant culture with plenty of entertainment options and activities.
NAPA
Napa is famous for its wine country, so it’s a no-brainer that most people head to this beautiful part of Northern California to spend their vacations overindulging in vino tastings, touring wineries, or even taking wine classes. However, this area is also a lot of biking trails, state parks, trendy restaurants, and adventures. Napa is also close to Santa Rosa which another wine hotspot in Cali.
California is a fantastic state to travel through, I mean just camping in Big Sur.. wow,. The cities are diverse and offer a range of different adventures, atmosphere, and food. I spent over a year going around California, and I’ve still only touched the tips of what this state has to offer.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is one of the best cities in California. Located on the Pacific Coast, Santa Monica offers a unique combination of beachfront living and urban amenities. With its beautiful beaches, world-class shopping, and vibrant nightlife, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this city every year.
Santa Monica is home to some of the most iconic attractions in California. And the last of the attractions of route 66.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the largest city in California and one of the most populous cities in the United States. It is located on the west coast of California, and it is known for its diverse culture, vibrant nightlife, and sunny weather. Los Angeles has something to offer everyone, from world-class museums and galleries to beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. The city also boasts a thriving economy with many major sites and attractions.
Cost of Living in California’s Largest City
California is home to some of the most expensive cities in the United States, and its largest city, Los Angeles, is no exception. The cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly higher than the national average, with housing costs being particularly high. According to Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index for 2020, Los Angeles ranks as the 11th most expensive city in the country.
Anaheim
Anaheim, California is one of the best cities in the state. Located in Orange County, Anaheim is home to Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center, making it a popular destination for tourists and business travelers alike. The city also boasts a vibrant downtown area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
The climate in Anaheim is mild year-round, with temperatures rarely dipping below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The city is also close to the beach, making it a great spot for outdoor activities like surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.
Anaheim, and Orange country is home to several professional sports teams, including the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL and the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball. The city also has a thriving arts scene with galleries, theaters, and museums.
san luis obispo
San Luis Obispo, California is a beautiful coastal city located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant downtown area, and excellent quality of life. The city has a population of around 45,000 people and is the county seat of San Luis Obispo County.
The city has been ranked as one of the best places to live in California by numerous publications, including Money Magazine and Forbes. It is a great place to raise a family, with excellent schools, low crime rates, and plenty of outdoor activities. The city also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and performing arts venues.
San Luis Obispo is home to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, one of the top universities in California .
Things to do in San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum
San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum is a great place to visit if you’re looking for something fun and educational to do in California. Located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, this museum offers visitors a chance to explore the history of railroads in California. The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits, including an authentic steam locomotive, model trains, and artifacts from
Cost of Living in San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, California is one of the best cities in the state for its low cost of living. The city has a median home price of $541,000, which is significantly lower than the state average of $719,000. Renters can expect to pay an average of $1,500 per month for a two-bedroom apartment.
The cost of living in San Luis Obispo is also lower than the national average. Groceries, healthcare, and transportation costs are all below the national average. The city also has a low sales tax rate of 7.25%, which is lower than the state average of 8%.
San Luis Obispo is an ideal place to live for those looking for a low cost of living without sacrificing quality.
Long Beach in Orange County
Long Beach in Orange County is of the best cities in California. Long Beach is a vibrant coastal city located in Los Angeles County, just south of downtown LA. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and diverse cultural attractions. The city also has an impressive array of museums, galleries, and performing arts venues. With its mild climate and year-round sunshine, Long Beach.
Irvine in Orange County
Irvine in Orange County, California is one of the best cities to live in the state. Located close to Newport Beach, Irvine offers a great combination of city life and beach living. With its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture, Irvine is an ideal place for those looking for a laid-back lifestyle.
The city has plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as hiking trails, and other outdoor adventures. Plus Newport Beach is amazing. It is one of the most beautiful cities in California.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of the best cities in California. Located on the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and vacationers alike. With its crystal clear waters, stunning mountain views, and endless recreational activities, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this beautiful area each year.
The lake itself is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, making it the largest alpine lake in North America. It is also one of the deepest lakes in the world, reaching depths of up to 1,645 feet. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests, providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, kayaking and more.
San Bernardino
San Bernardino is a city located in the Inland Empire region of California. It is the 17th-largest city in the state and the 5th-largest city in Southern California. San Bernardino is known for its diverse culture, vibrant nightlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
The city has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s when it was founded by Spanish missionaries.
San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the most iconic cities in California, and for good reason. It’s a vibrant city with a unique culture, stunning architecture, and plenty of attractions to explore. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Fisherman’s Wharf, there’s something for everyone in San Francisco.
The city is also known for its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character. Whether you
want to explore the Mission District, Chinatown, or the Haight-Ashbury, you’ll find something unique and interesting in each area.
San Francisco is also home to some of the best restaurants in California. From seafood to Mexican food, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with its close proximity to Napa Valley and Sonoma County, you can easily enjoy a day trip out of city and into wine country.
Oxnard and Ventura
Oxnard and Ventura are two cities located in the beautiful state of California. Both cities offer a unique blend of culture, entertainment, and outdoor activities that make them great places to live.
Oxnard is located on the coast of Southern California and is known for its stunning beaches and picturesque views. It’s also home to a variety of attractions such as the Channel Islands National Park, the
Ventura County Fairgrounds, and the Oxnard Historic District. The city is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and performing arts venues.
Ventura is located just north of Oxnard and is known for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s also home to a variety of attractions such as the Ventura Pier, Mission San Buena Ventura, and the Ventura County Museum of History and Art. The city is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and performing arts venues.
Both Oxnard and Ventura are great cities to live in for those looking for a unique blend of culture, entertainment, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation or an urban vacation. These are two great beach towns in Southern California that give you easy access to the Pacific Ocean.
These are some of the best cities to live in California. And each one offers something different and new to explore and experience.