Southern California draws residents from all around the world with its ocean views, bustling cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, national parks like Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and the Channel Islands, vibrant art scenes, nightlife, and world-class museums. There are many reasons why you might want to live in Southern California, whether it has been your dream to live in the Golden State or you’re a long-time resident.
The median home sale price in California is $749,900, while big cities in Southern California, like Los Angeles and San Diego, have median home sale prices of $957,000 and $872,500, respectively. If these prices are out of your budget, don’t worry, we’re here to help.
At Redfin, we’ve rounded up a list of the 10 most affordable places to live in Southern California this year. And the best part is they all have a median home sale price under $749,900. That way, you can enjoy all that Southern California offers while staying within your budget.
1. Victorville
Median home price: $425,000
Average sale price per square foot: $224
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,577
Median household income: $65,746
Victorville, CA homes for sale
Victorville, CA apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $425,000, Victorville is the most affordable place to live in Southern California. Victorville has a population of 134,80 and is located in San Bernardino County, about 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles. It’s known for its wide range of housing options and proximity to the Mojave Desert. The city has several parks, including Mojave Narrows Regional Park, and popular attractions like the California Route 66 Museum and the Victor Valley Museum and Gallery.
2. Hemet
Median home price: $435,000
Average sale price per square foot: $254
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,572
Median household income: $49,901
Hemet, CA homes for sale
Hemet, CA apartments for rent
The city of Hemet comes in as our second most affordable place. With a population of 89,800, Hemet is located south of Riverside, near the Mount San Jacinto State Park. Living in Hemet means you’ll have a variety of outdoor recreational activities. The city is also home to the Western Science Center, a popular museum featuring exhibits on paleontology and archaeology.
3. Lancaster
Median home price: $450,500
Average sale price per square foot: $270
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,895
Median household income: $71,367
Lancaster, CA homes for sale
Lancaster, CA apartments for rent
Situated in north Los Angeles County, Lancaster takes the third spot on our list. Home to 173,500 residents, Lancaster has plenty to explore. The city has several parks and recreational facilities, including the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve and the Lancaster Performing Arts Center.
4. San Bernardino
Median home price: $460,000
Average sale price per square foot: $344
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,532
Median household income: $61,323
San Bernardino, CA homes for sale
San Bernardino, CA apartments for rent
The next spot on our list is none other than San Bernardino, with a median home sale price of $460,000. The city has a population of 222,100 and is known for its community feeling and proximity to the San Bernardino Forest. This affordable area has easy access to popular attractions like the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum, Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art, and the Glen Helen Regional Park.
5. Palmdale
Median home price: $480,000
Average sale price per square foot: $279
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,862
Median household income: $78,414
Palmdale, CA homes for sale
Palmdale, CA apartments for rent
Just south of Lancaster is the city of Palmdale. The city has a population of 169,400, meaning you’ll live in a mid-sized city. Lancaster has several parks and recreational areas, including the Pelona Vista Park, Prime Desert Woodland Preserve, and Ritter Ranch Park. You can also visit the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, home to various military planes, and the Palmdale Amphitheater.
6. Hesperia
Median home price: $485,000
Average sale price per square foot: $253
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,695
Median household income: $67,698
Hesperia, CA homes for sale
Hesperia, CA apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $485,000, Hesperia lands the sixth spot on our list of affordable places to live in Southern California. There are about 99,800 residents in Hesperia, which is located south of Victorville. The city offers easy access to outdoor activities and is home to the Hesperia Lake Park, a popular spot for fishing and picnicking.
7. Moreno Valley
Median home price: $517,000
Average sale price per square foot: $302
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,880
Median household income: $82,637
Moreno Valley, CA homes for sale
Moreno Valley, CA apartments for rent
Known for its proximity to Riverside, Moreno Valley is another awesome area in Southern California. About 208,600 people live in the area, where the median home sale price is $517,000. The city offers a variety of recreational activities, like exploring the Lake Perris State Recreation Area or checking out the March Field Air Museum, a popular attraction for aviation enthusiasts.
8. Indio
Median home price: $537,500
Average sale price per square foot: $295
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,835
Median household income: $68,436
Indio, CA homes for sale
Indio, CA apartments for rent
Most well-known as the home of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Indio is eighth on our list. The homes cost about $537,500, so it’s a great option to consider. Indio is home to about 89,100 people, and the city is known for its vibrant culture and scenic desert views. This area is home to popular attractions like the Coachella Valley History Museum and the Empire Polo Club and has easy access to outdoor recreational activities.
9. Menifee
Median home price: $539,000
Average sale price per square foot: $284
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,137
Median household income: $87,871
Menifee, CA homes for sale
Menifee, CA apartments for rent
The city of Menifee has a median home sale price of $539,000 and a population of 102,500, making it a great mid-sized area. Menifee offers a variety of parks and recreational facilities, including the Audie Murphy Ranch Sports Park and the Menifee Lakes Country Club.
10. Rialto
Median home price: $550,000
Average sale price per square foot: $325
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,750
Median household income: $80,750
Rialto, CA homes for sale
Rialto, CA apartments for rent
Taking the final spot on our list of most affordable places to live in Southern California is Rialto, with a median home sale price of $550,000. Rialto is home to about 104,000 residents and is situated west of San Bernardino. Make sure to explore the charming downtown or visit one of the many local parks if you decide to move to Rialto.
Methodology: All cities must have over 85,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in California. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during February 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com February 2024. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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