Top 5 Most Expensive Cities To Live In California

2. San Francisco  

IM Score: 19

San Francisco is among the most expensive cities to live in California. Housing costs are a significant factor, with a median home value of $1.3 million and median rent close to $4,500. The housing market is highly competitive, with homes typically selling in 21 days. The median rent in the city is $3,700, while the median household income is $112,376. San Francisco’s diverse culture, iconic landmarks, and thriving tech industry attract residents.  Despite San Francisco having a relatively affordable housing than other cities on the list, we’ve made an exception for it in the list since its other expenses are significant enough to impact savings for buying a house.