Cost of living is exceptionally high for these 9 most expensive cities to live in California. You may or may not be aware of the fact that California is one of the most expensive states in America. Despite generally having higher salary average compared to other states, the amount of money you get is easily overshadowed by how expensive everything else is. Food, entertainment, attractions, and amenities are all higher than the country average. This is also especially true for housing and real estate as the state features some of the most expensive places to live in the country.
There are even places in California that specifically cater to the wealthy and famous. You might notice that a lot of cities here are included in the 12 Most Expensive Cities to Live in the US. Prices can contrast, and you may find very large differences if you’ve been to states that have lower cost of living. Include the high taxes here and you may find yourself struggling or just breaking even. These costs are even expected to climb higher with economy and inflation being taken into account.
For this list we use one of the defining factors when it comes to costs in the city and that is housing. We rank each city based on how many years of salary it would take to purchase your own home in the city. Let’s find out more as we explore these 9 most expensive cities to live in California:
9. Salinas
Years of Income to Buy a House: 7.4
Salinas is well known for being surrounded by a lot of agricultural lots and lands. The place is typically something that’s noticed a lot by people wanting to stay at greener environments within the state. Despite this, Salinas remains deceptively expensive and is known to be one of the least affordable cities in the US for around a decade now.
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8. San Diego
Years of Income to Buy a House: 7.6
San Diego has always been known to be one of the most expensive cities especially when it comes to housing. Even during and after the recession prices on houses haven’t seemed to change a lot. Interestingly it is not the house itself that warrants the most cost in San Diego but rather the services needed for the house.
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7. Santa Rosa
Years of Income to Buy a House: 8
Even locals of the state may find themselves shocked when they see the prices in Santa Rosa. Prices here are an estimated 75% higher than the country average. People that often stay in Santa Rosa prefer it there as it is far from other metropolitan areas. It may however not be a place for those looking for more nightlife or attractions.
6. San Luis Obispo
Years of Income to Buy a House: 8.4
Though San Luis may not be quite the most popular city in the country, it continues to rank as one of the most expensive cities to live in. It is said that only 30% of the population in the city can actually afford the homes on offer here. Despite this, housing here continues to catch the appeal of many in the state.
5. Santa Barbara
Years of Income to Buy a House: 8.5
According to many, Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful places to live in California. Of course, the beauty here comes at a very high price. Many, find the environment very appealing, and Santa Barbara hosts a few of the best sights to see in the country without one having to pay any attraction fees.
The most expensive places are yet to come. Let’s continue this list of 9 most expensive cities to live in California.
4. San Francisco
Years of Income to Buy a House: 8.8
As San Francisco continues to become popular, prices also continue to climb. San Francisco, like many of the cities here is often ranked in the top 10 of most expensive places in the country. Prices have even been higher since luxury housing has proven to be popular in the city.
3. San Jose
Years of Income to Buy a House: 9
San Jose is often termed as expensive and overpriced. With almost every city in California increasing housing prices, it was only natural that San Jose would also increase their own. One of the reasons for the fast growth and increase of prices here is a strong economy and high employment rate.
2. Los Angeles
Years of Income to Buy a House: 9
Housing in Los Angeles has been notoriously expensive, so are other things like food and drink. There have been some reports of people living in offices, airports and the like because they couldn’t afford to rent a house or an apartment. That’s how expensive it is LA.
1. Santa Cruz
Years of Income to Buy a House: 9.3
Less than 30 percent of people living in Santa Cruz can afford housing here. Not only is Santa Cruz one of the most expensive places in terms of housing but even rentals are considered one of the highest in the country.
This has been the list of 9 most expensive cities to live in California. These are definitely places you have to financially prepare for.
