When it comes to affordable living, the West Coast likes to break typical conventions. The land of dreams, with its massive coastlines, stacks of dream homes, and seductive climate seems like it would cost a pretty penny. But in reality, there are so many options for families or those on a budget to choose from; and each place is more scenic than the other. So the question remains—where do you start with your search?
First, to choose a place you’d soon call home, should always be a priority; but never the only priority. Many of the places you’ll find on our list share a similar median home bracket, but not much more than that. So it’s on you to look further at the quality of life, job opportunities, or even things like whether or not the city you’re moving to has your favorite coffee shop. And we get it, this could be overwhelming to do on your own. To help, we’ve rounded up a list of the most affordable places to live on the West Coast—happy searching!
Bakersfield, California
Median home price: $321,500
Tucked conveniently in the Golden State's Central Valley, Bakersfield has many surprises up its sleeve. Formerly known only for oil and agriculture, Bakersfield today is a hub for arts, culture, and career opportunities. And on top of that, the city is one of the cheapest places to live on the West Coast accommodating diverse personality types. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose between a handful of lakeside campgrounds and national park experiences, foodies can retreat to Basque restaurants, and art-lovers find nirvana in the museum-filled Arts District.