The Most Affordable Place To Live In California In 2025

Full of sunshine, outdoor activities, and a thriving job market, California continues to attract thousands of new residents each year, despite its steep cost of living. Median home prices in the Golden State are some of the highest in the country, but you can still find places to live out your California dream that won't break the budget. Bakersfield was recently listed by multiple organizations as one of the most affordable places to live in California in 2025.

A city of 416,000 located in California's Central Valley, Bakersfield offers a variety of housing types and price points, from starter homes in new developments, to established houses in quiet neighborhoods, as well as downtown condos and apartments. Bakersfield's average home price is currently around $390,000 — a fraction of the average price of a home in Los Angeles. Rents also trend lower here than in most California cities, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging around $1,500 per month. Beyond real estate, other costs of living like transportation and groceries are far less in Bakersfield than in other metropolitan regions of the state. For people who want more affordable housing, Bakersfield might be a good choice.

Location is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a home, and living in Bakersfield puts you close to some awesome natural and urban amenities. The city is a two-hour drive from Pacific Ocean beaches, and only one hour to popular Lake Isabella and outdoor recreation opportunities in Sequoia National Forest. Bakersfield is surrounded by agricultural fields and vineyards that feed its popular farmers markets and wine tasting rooms. As the state's 9th largest city, Bakersfield still feels like a much smaller town with plenty of family friendly activities, including several museums and a scenic riverwalk park and trail. The city has a thriving art scene, with a downtown arts district, historic theaters, and local venues celebrating its unique country music heritage known as the "Bakersfield Sound". 

With all these amenities, it is no surprise that housing costs in Bakersfield have been ticking upward, following recent national real estate trends. Through an Affordable Housing Strategy and incentive programs, the city is working hard to maintain its affordability even as this California gem inevitably grows in popularity.