20 Best Cities in California to Live or Visit (NEW 2023)

I’m at all times longing to get again to California. This beautiful state has seemingly countless miles of epic shoreline, a laid-back angle, and a whole lot of soppy sandy seashores (Santa Rosa I’m taking a look at you!). Something I really like about California is that the environment varies wildly from metropolis to metropolis. These are seven cities in California that you simply’ll fall in love with when visiting.
Cost of Living in California in 2023
In 2023, the price of residing in California is predicted to stay excessive. The state has a fame for being probably the most costly locations to stay in the United States, and this development is probably going to proceed. Housing prices are notably excessive, with median house costs in some cities reaching properly over $1 million. Renting will also be costly, with common month-to-month rents starting from $1
500 to $2,500 in some cities. Groceries and different requirements are additionally pricey, with the price of residing index for California being larger than the nationwide common.
However, there are nonetheless some cities in California the place the price of residing is extra reasonably priced. For instance, Fresno and Bakersfield have decrease median house costs than many different cities in the state, making them enticing to folks on a price range.
Median Price of Living in California
California is without doubt one of the most costly states to stay in, with a median worth of residing that’s larger than the nationwide common. The value of residing varies vastly from metropolis to metropolis, nevertheless, and a few cities are extra reasonably priced than others.
San Francisco is without doubt one of the most costly cities in California, with a median worth of residing that’s practically double the nationwide common. San Francisco has
SAN DIEGO

San Diego affords a shocking quantity of enjoyable issues to do and see. The metropolis affords one thing for everybody, from seashores to inland valleys. San Diego eating places deal with you to scrumptious delicacies, that’s a number of the finest meals I’ve had in California.
Plus, the town has nearly excellent climate yr spherical, making it simply among the best cities in California, and pretty much as good as a weekend in Nashville. Make positive you seize among the best airbnb’s to keep in San Deigo.
Outdoor Activities in San Diego
San Diego is without doubt one of the finest cities in California for outside actions. With its delicate local weather and delightful surroundings, it’s no surprise why so many individuals flock to San Diego for his or her outside adventures. From mountaineering and biking to browsing and kayaking, there are many methods to get outdoors and benefit from the nice outdoor.
Hiking is a well-liked exercise in San Diego, with trails starting from coastal trails, to hikes in the mountains. Don’t neglect to try one of the best hikes in San Diego earlier than heading out.
LA MESA
If you’re looking to escape the San Diego sprawl, La Mesa is a superb selection. It’s simply ten miles outdoors San Diego and affords epic vistas, nonetheless lakes, and native outlets. Just a few of the favored issues to do in La Mesa are heading out to discover the unbelievable surroundings, procuring on the vintage mall, and having fun with scrumptious wine tastings.
SANTA BARBRA

Somehow, Santa Barbara has a small-town really feel that makes you are feeling proper at house. The chill environment, stunning neighborhoods, and pristine seashores make Santa Barbara one in all my favourite cities in California. The city has an distinctive fame for its meals, particularly the tacos (Also are you aware the enjoyable information of Mexico when the phrase taco first appeared). As properly because the adventures, and spectacular drives.
Santa Barbara’s Attractions
Santa Barbara is a stupendous coastal metropolis in California that gives loads of points of interest for guests. From its beautiful seashores to its vibrant downtown, Santa Barbara has one thing for everybody.
One of the most well-liked points of interest in Santa Barbara is Stearns Wharf, which is situated on the waterfront and affords a wide range of outlets, eating places, and actions. Visitors can take a stroll alongside the pier and luxuriate in
SANTA CRUZ
Outdoor lovers will really feel proper at house when visiting Santa Cruz. The metropolis has a shocking waterfront the place hikers and bikers spend their mornings and afternoons. There are additionally a variety of crusing excursions, roadside points of interest, road artwork, and seashore live shows. This metropolis has a pleasant buzz that’s fairly infectious.
MONTEREY
The coronary heart of Monterey is discovered on Cannery Row. This waterside road is a serious vacationer hub with odd bars, lavish resorts, trendy eating places, and relaxed procuring. It’s an ideal spot for a trip, comparable to the finest issues to do in the Big Sur. And the town affords much more issues to do just like the state park, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Marine Sanctuary. I extremely counsel trying out the close by Big Sur shoreline which is without doubt one of the most unimaginable elements of the nation.
MONTEBELLO
Montebello is simply outdoors of L.A. which makes it a superb location for folks wanting to tour the town however then retreat from all of the craziness to a extra comfy setting. Montebello has a variety of outside ventures like mountaineering, fishing, boating, and disc golf. There are a variety of moderately priced lodge choices as properly.
Sacramento – Capital City
Sacramento, the capital metropolis of California, is a good place to stay and go to. Located in the center of the Central Valley, Sacramento affords an abundance of outside actions, cultural points of interest, and leisure choices. From its vibrant downtown space to its quite a few parks and trails, Sacramento has one thing for everybody.
The metropolis is house to a few of California’s most iconic landmarks together with the
California State Capitol, the Tower Bridge, and the Crocker Art Museum. Sacramento additionally boasts a thriving arts and tradition scene with quite a few galleries, theaters, and music venues. The metropolis can be house to a few of California’s finest eating places, bars, and nightlife spots.
Sacramento is a perfect vacation spot for outside fans. And one of many main cities for folks to stay in.
SAN JOSE – Silicon Valley
San Jose, situated in the center of Silicon Valley, is without doubt one of the finest cities in California. It is house to a number of the world’s most modern firms and has grow to be a hub for know-how and innovation. San Jose can be recognized for its vibrant tradition, various inhabitants, and delightful surroundings.
The metropolis affords a wide range of points of interest together with museums, galleries, parks, and theaters
San Jose is house to a number of the most prestigious universities in the world, together with Stanford University and Santa Clara University. The metropolis additionally has a thriving arts scene, with quite a few galleries, theaters, and music venues.
The metropolis is thought for its wonderful public transportation system, which makes it straightforward to get round city. San Jose additionally has an in depth bike-sharing program that permits residents to lease
San Jose is booming. The metropolis is alive, primarily due to silicon valley, with occasions, eating places, and nightlife. San Jose additionally has world-class hockey, improbable wineries, a wonderful bay, and a buzzing meals scene. All these causes make San Jose probably the most in style locations to go to in California. I find it irresistible.
Cost of Living in Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley is without doubt one of the most costly locations to stay in California, and the price of residing might be fairly excessive. The common lease for a one-bedroom residence in Silicon Valley is round $2,500 monthly, which is considerably larger than the nationwide common. Additionally, groceries and different on a regular basis gadgets are additionally dearer in Silicon Valley due to its proximity to San Francisco and different main Silicon Valley is without doubt one of the most costly locations to stay in California, and for good purpose. It is house to a number of the world’s most modern firms, together with Apple, Google, and Facebook. Additionally, Silicon Valley has a vibrant tradition with loads of leisure choices and actions.
NAPA
Napa is known for its wine nation, so it’s a no brainer that most individuals head to this stunning a part of Northern California to spend their holidays overindulging in vino tastings, touring wineries, or even taking wine lessons. However, this space can be a variety of biking trails, state parks, stylish eating places, and adventures. Napa can be shut to Santa Rosa which one other wine hotspot in Cali.
California is a improbable state to journey via, I imply simply tenting in Big Sur.. wow,. The cities are various and supply a spread of various adventures, environment, and meals. I spent over a yr going round California, and I’ve nonetheless solely touched the information of what this state has to supply.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is without doubt one of the finest cities in California. Located on the Pacific Coast, Santa Monica affords a singular mixture of beachfront residing and concrete facilities. With its stunning seashores, world-class procuring, and vibrant nightlife, it’s no surprise why so many individuals flock to this metropolis yearly.
Santa Monica is house to a number of the most iconic points of interest in California. And the final of the points of interest of route 66.
Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the most important metropolis in California and probably the most populous cities in the United States. It is situated on the west coast of California, and it’s recognized for its various tradition, vibrant nightlife, and sunny climate. Los Angeles has one thing to supply everybody, from world-class museums and galleries to stunning seashores and outside actions. The metropolis additionally boasts a thriving financial system with many main websites and points of interest.
Cost of Living in California’s Largest City
California is house to a number of the most costly cities in the United States, and its largest metropolis, Los Angeles, isn’t any exception. The value of residing in Los Angeles is considerably larger than the nationwide common, with housing prices being notably excessive. According to Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index for 2020, Los Angeles ranks because the eleventh most costly metropolis in the nation.
Anaheim

Anaheim, California is without doubt one of the finest cities in the state. Located in Orange County, Anaheim is house to Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center, making it a preferred vacation spot for vacationers and enterprise vacationers alike. The metropolis additionally boasts a vibrant downtown space with loads of procuring, eating, and leisure choices.
The local weather in Anaheim is delicate year-round, with temperatures not often dipping beneath 50 levels Fahrenheit. The metropolis can be shut to the seashore, making it an awesome spot for outside actions like browsing, swimming, and sunbathing.
Anaheim, and Orange nation is house to a number of skilled sports activities groups, together with the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL and the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball. The metropolis additionally has a thriving arts scene with galleries, theaters, and museums.
san luis obispo
San Luis Obispo, California is a stupendous coastal metropolis situated midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is thought for its beautiful seashores, vibrant downtown space, and wonderful high quality of life. The metropolis has a inhabitants of round 45,000 folks and is the county seat of San Luis Obispo County.
The metropolis has been ranked as among the best locations to stay in California by quite a few publications, together with Money Magazine and Forbes. It is a good place to elevate a household, with wonderful colleges, low crime charges, and loads of outside actions. The metropolis additionally has a thriving arts and tradition scene, with quite a few galleries, museums, and performing arts venues.
San Luis Obispo is house to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, one of many prime universities in California .
Things to do in San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum
San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum is a good place to go to in the event you’re in search of one thing enjoyable and academic to do in California. Located in the center of downtown San Luis Obispo, this museum affords guests an opportunity to discover the historical past of railroads in California. The museum options a wide range of interactive displays, together with an genuine steam locomotive, mannequin trains, and artifacts from
Cost of Living in San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, California is without doubt one of the finest cities in the state for its low value of residing. The metropolis has a median house worth of $541,000, which is considerably decrease than the state common of $719,000. Renters can count on to pay a median of $1,500 monthly for a two-bedroom residence.
The value of residing in San Luis Obispo can be decrease than the nationwide common. Groceries, healthcare, and transportation prices are all beneath the nationwide common. The metropolis additionally has a low gross sales tax fee of seven.25%, which is decrease than the state common of 8%.
San Luis Obispo is a perfect place to stay for these in search of a low value of residing with out sacrificing high quality.
Long Beach in Orange County
Long Beach in Orange County is of one of the best cities in California. Long Beach is a vibrant coastal metropolis situated in Los Angeles County, simply south of downtown LA. It’s recognized for its stunning seashores, energetic nightlife, and various cultural points of interest. The metropolis additionally has a formidable array of museums, galleries, and performing arts venues. With its delicate local weather and year-round sunshine, Long Beach.
Irvine in Orange County
Irvine in Orange County, California is without doubt one of the finest cities to stay in the state. Located shut to Newport Beach, Irvine affords an awesome mixture of metropolis life and seashore residing. With its sunny climate, stunning seashores, and vibrant tradition, Irvine is a perfect place for these in search of a laid-back life-style.
The metropolis has loads of outside actions to take pleasure in similar to mountaineering trails, and different outside adventures. Plus Newport Beach is wonderful. It is without doubt one of the most stunning cities in California.
Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is without doubt one of the finest cities in California. Located on the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a well-liked vacation spot for outside fans and vacationers alike. With its crystal clear waters, beautiful mountain views, and countless leisure actions, it’s no surprise why so many individuals flock to this stunning space every year.
The lake itself is 22 miles lengthy and 12 miles huge, making it the most important alpine lake in North America. It can be one of many deepest lakes in the world, reaching depths of up to 1,645 toes. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains and luxurious forests, offering a shocking backdrop for outside actions like snowboarding, snowboarding, mountaineering, biking, kayaking and extra.
San Bernardino
San Bernardino is a metropolis situated in the Inland Empire area of California. It is the Seventeenth-largest metropolis in the state and the Fifth-largest metropolis in Southern California. San Bernardino is thought for its various tradition, vibrant nightlife, and outside recreation alternatives.
The metropolis has a wealthy historical past that dates again to the early 1800s when it was based by Spanish missionaries.
San Francisco

San Francisco is without doubt one of the most iconic cities in California, and for good purpose. It’s a vibrant metropolis with a singular tradition, beautiful structure, and loads of points of interest to discover. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Fisherman’s Wharf, there’s one thing for everybody in San Francisco.
The metropolis can be recognized for its various neighborhoods, every with its personal distinct character. Whether you
need to discover the Mission District, Chinatown, or the Haight-Ashbury, you’ll discover one thing distinctive and attention-grabbing in every space.
San Francisco can be house to a number of the finest eating places in California. From seafood to Mexican meals, there’s one thing for everybody. Plus, with its shut proximity to Napa Valley and Sonoma County, you may simply take pleasure in a day journey out of metropolis and into wine nation.
Oxnard and Ventura

Oxnard and Ventura are two cities situated in the attractive state of California. Both cities supply a singular mix of tradition, leisure, and outside actions that make them nice locations to stay.
Oxnard is situated on the coast of Southern California and is thought for its beautiful seashores and picturesque views. It’s additionally house to a wide range of points of interest such because the Channel Islands National Park, the
Ventura County Fairgrounds, and the Oxnard Historic District. The metropolis can be house to a thriving arts and tradition scene, with quite a few galleries, museums, and performing arts venues.
Ventura is situated simply north of Oxnard and is thought for its beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s additionally house to a wide range of points of interest such because the Ventura Pier, Mission San Buena Ventura, and the Ventura County Museum of History and Art. The metropolis can be house to a thriving arts and tradition scene, with quite a few galleries, museums, and performing arts venues.
Both Oxnard and Ventura are nice cities to stay in for these in search of a singular mix of tradition, leisure, and outside actions. Whether you’re in search of a seashore trip or an city trip. These are two nice seashore cities in Southern California that give you quick access to the Pacific Ocean.
These are a number of the finest cities to stay in California. And every one affords one thing totally different and new to discover and expertise.