The Most Affordable Cities in California (2026)
Ranked by cost index: the average of renting, buying, goods, and services compared to the national average (100). All data from Census ACS 2024 and BEA Regional Price Parities 2023.
Rent: $1,708/mo · Homes: $406,500 · Income: $82,093
Up to 13.3% · Sales tax: 8.25%
Rent: $1,846/mo · Homes: $515,800 · Income: $91,387
Up to 13.3% · Sales tax: 8.75%
Rent: $2,060/mo · Homes: $616,400 · Income: $90,004
Up to 13.3% · Sales tax: 8.75%
Rent: $1,962/mo · Homes: $849,500 · Income: $91,318
Up to 13.3% · Sales tax: 10.25%
Rent: $1,958/mo · Homes: $947,900 · Income: $82,263
Up to 13.3% · Sales tax: 9.5%
Rent: $2,008/mo · Homes: $884,000 · Income: $102,235
Up to 13.3% · Sales tax: 10.25%
Rent: $2,414/mo · Homes: $980,700 · Income: $111,032
Up to 13.3% · Sales tax: 7.75%
Rent: $2,448/mo · Homes: $1,314,700 · Income: $139,801
Up to 13.3% · Sales tax: 8.625%
Rent: $2,674/mo · Homes: $1,271,200 · Income: $148,226
Up to 13.3% · Sales tax: 9.25%
Rent: $3,091/mo · Homes: $1,510,300 · Income: $145,731
Up to 13.3% · Sales tax: 7.75%