Top 11 Most Expensive Cities To Live In California (2023)

Are you considering a move to California but worried about the high cost of living? Look no further than this article, where we will explore the most expensive cities to live in California and what makes them so costly.

From Los Altos to Manhattan Beach, we’ll take a closer look at each city’s average home prices, median household income, and other essential data to help you make an informed decision.

California is notorious for its high cost of living, and it’s no surprise that some of its cities are among the most expensive in the country. But why exactly are these cities so pricey? We’ll delve into factors like location, job opportunities, and amenities that contribute to their high costs.

And don’t worry – we won’t just focus on the negatives. We’ll also highlight some of the benefits of living in these expensive cities, as well as tips for saving money if you do decide to make one your home.

So let’s dive in and explore the most expensive cities to live in California!

Los Altos

If you’re looking for a charming and quaint village atmosphere, then you’ll love Los Altos with its unique cafes, boutiques, and family-friendly events.

Located in Santa Clara County, California, this city is known for being one of the most expensive places to live in the state. The population was 31,625 according to the 2020 census. Despite the high cost of living, Los Altos offers a lot of amenities that make it worth considering.

Los Altos Hills is another nearby city that is even more exclusive and expensive than Los Altos. It’s known for having large estates with luxurious homes tucked away among rolling hills covered with oak trees.

While both cities are pricey places to live, they offer access to some of California’s top-notch amenities such as excellent schools and job opportunities within Silicon Valley.

Los Altos Hills

You’re currently reading about Los Altos Hills, one of the premier residential communities in Silicon Valley known for its affluence, luxury real estate, and highly rated public schools. The town’s rural feel and location near neighboring Woodside and Portola Valley make it a desirable place to live for those seeking a peaceful yet luxurious lifestyle.

Los Altos Hills has a total area of 8.8 square miles, all of which is land, and maintains a population of over 8,000 people as of the latest census.

Here are some interesting facts about Los Altos Hills that you may find intriguing:

• The town is recognized for its Pathway System that includes more than 90 miles of trails for walking, hiking or horseback riding.
• Both the Altamont and Monta Vista Faults pass through the town, making it prone to earthquakes.
• Los Altos Hills has 18 luxury homes for sale right now if you’re in the market for high-end real estate.

Now let’s move on to San Francisco and learn more about why it ranks as California’s most expensive city to live in.

San Francisco

Get ready to explore San Francisco, a city that captures the hearts of many with its breathtaking views, colorful architecture, and vibrant culture. However, be prepared to pay a pretty penny for the privilege of living in this world-renowned destination.

San Francisco tops the list as the most expensive place to live in California with a cost of living at 169.3% above the U.S average. The median home price is around $1.4 million, and rent for a one-bedroom apartment can easily exceed $3,500 per month.

But don’t let the high cost deter you from exploring all that San Francisco has to offer. From Alcatraz Island to Golden Gate Park, there’s no shortage of iconic attractions that make living in this city worth it. Plus, with numerous job opportunities available in industries ranging from tech to finance and tourism, you’re sure to find your niche here.

As we move on to Santa Monica in our exploration of California’s most expensive cities, remember that while high costs may seem daunting at first glance, these cities offer unparalleled access to world-class amenities and opportunities you won’t find anywhere else!

Santa Monica

Oh, you’re exploring Santa Monica now? Hope you’ve got your wallet ready because this beachfront city is known for its sky-high real estate prices and average rent for one-bedroom apartments around $3,740 per month. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of reasons to consider living in Santa Monica despite the high cost of living. Here are some benefits to keep in mind:

1. Access to beautiful beaches: Santa Monica boasts several miles of picturesque coastline, complete with a historic pier and amusement park.
2. Thriving arts scene: From the famous Third Street Promenade to the Bergamot Station Arts Center, there’s always something creative happening in Santa Monica.
3. Diverse dining options: Whether you’re in the mood for seafood by the ocean or international cuisine on Main Street, Santa Monica has plenty of top-notch restaurants to choose from.
4. Excellent public transportation: With multiple bus routes and light rail connections nearby, getting around town without a car is easy.

So why not take advantage of all that this vibrant city has to offer? And if you’re looking for even more luxury and exclusivity, just wait until we head over to Beverly Hills next…

Beverly Hills

Let’s take a stroll down the glamorous streets of Beverly Hills, known for its luxurious homes and high-end shopping destinations.

With a median home value of $3,902,939 and an average rent price of $2,675 per month, it’s no surprise that this city tops the list as one of the most expensive places to live in California. But what sets Beverly Hills apart from other pricey cities is its reputation as a hub for Hollywood’s elite.

This exclusive neighborhood boasts upscale restaurants and designer boutiques along Rodeo Drive, attracting visitors from all over the world. Despite the high cost of living, residents enjoy access to top-notch amenities and exceptional schools.

As we move on to explore Palo Alto next, keep in mind that living in Beverly Hills may come with a hefty price tag but offers unparalleled luxury and prestige.

Palo Alto

Now, you’re in Palo Alto, located in the heart of Silicon Valley and boasting a cost of living 256% higher than the US average. This city is known for being one of the most expensive places to live in California with a median home price of $3.5 million.

However, there are many benefits to living here which attract people from all over the world. Here are some reasons why living in Palo Alto may be worth the high cost:

1. Access to top-notch public schools and parks
2. Proximity to prestigious companies like Google and Facebook
3. A thriving entrepreneurial community with ample resources available for startups
4. An abundance of cultural events and activities

With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Palo Alto remains a popular destination despite its steep prices. And if you’re looking for more job opportunities or want to explore other areas nearby, San Jose is just a short drive away.

San Jose

If you’re looking for a city with ample job opportunities and access to top-notch public schools and parks, San Jose – just a short drive away from Palo Alto – may be worth considering.

As one of the most expensive cities in California, San Jose offers a high standard of living that comes at a cost. However, the numerous advantages make it an attractive location for those willing to pay the price.

San Jose is home to many prestigious companies like Google and Facebook, which provide various job opportunities for professionals eager to work on cutting-edge projects alongside innovative giants resources.

Additionally, residents have access to top-notch public schools like Lynbrook High School and Monta Vista High School as well as beautiful parks such as Alum Rock Park and Guadalupe River Park.

If you’re looking for similar amenities but with more entertainment options available right on your doorstep, keep reading about Oakland.

Oakland

You should definitely check out Oakland – it’s got various opportunities for work and entertainment, and it’s a desirable location for those who appreciate urban living with ample amenities available right on your doorstep. Despite its reputation as a gritty city, Oakland has undergone significant revitalization in recent years, making it an attractive destination for young professionals.

The downtown area is home to numerous restaurants, bars, and music venues, while Lake Merritt offers a picturesque respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Moving on to another expensive city in California, Santa Barbara is known for its beautiful beaches and high-end real estate. With a cost of living 66% higher than the national average, Santa Barbara is certainly not cheap – but many residents believe that the benefits outweigh the costs.

For one thing, the weather is nearly perfect year-round; with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, outdoor activities are always on offer. Additionally, Santa Barbara boasts some of the best schools in California – making it an ideal destination for families with children.

Santa Barbara

Moving on from Oakland, let’s talk about another coastal city known for its high-end real estate: Santa Barbara. If you’re looking to live in a beautiful beach town with a Mediterranean climate and plenty of luxurious amenities, Santa Barbara might be the perfect place for you.

Here are some key facts to consider:

• Santa Barbara is one of the most expensive cities in California, with a cost of living at 60% above the national average.
• The median home price in Santa Barbara is around $1.4 million, making it one of the priciest places to buy property in California.
• Despite the high cost of living, Santa Barbara boasts gorgeous beaches, top-rated schools, and an array of fine dining restaurants and upscale shops.

With its stunning ocean views and year-round temperate weather, it’s easy to see why Santa Barbara is such a desirable place to live. But if you’re looking for something slightly more affordable while still offering that same luxurious lifestyle, our next stop will take us to Burlingame.

Burlingame

As luck would have it, Burlingame is a small city near San Francisco with a strong reputation for being an upscale and desirable place to reside. The cost of living index in Burlingame is 379.0, which means that it’s significantly more expensive than the average US city.

The median home price in Burlingame is over $2 million, making it one of the most expensive places to live in California. But despite its high price tag, people are still eager to call Burlingame home. This could be due to the fact that it’s only a short drive away from San Francisco and all of its world-renowned attractions like Golden Gate Park and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Or maybe it’s because Burlingame offers access to some of the best schools in the state. Regardless of what draws you to this upscale neighborhood, one thing is certain: if you’re looking for luxury living near San Francisco, then Burlingame should definitely be on your radar as one of the top options available.

And now onto Manhattan Beach…

Manhattan Beach

Moving on from Burlingame, let’s take a look at another expensive city in California – Manhattan Beach. If you’re looking for a luxurious beachfront lifestyle, this city might be the perfect fit for you.

Here are some key facts about Manhattan Beach that make it one of the most expensive cities to live in California:

• Median household income is $170,000. This high income level allows residents to afford the high cost of living in the area.
• Beautiful beachfront location. Living near the ocean comes with a premium price tag, and Manhattan Beach is no exception.
• High-end real estate market. The median home value in Manhattan Beach is over $2 million, making it one of the priciest housing markets in California.

As you can see, living in Manhattan Beach requires a significant financial investment. However, if you’re willing to pay the price, there are many benefits to living in an expensive city like this.

Benefits of Living in Expensive Cities

Living in upscale locales may have its perks, including access to top-notch amenities, exceptional schools, and abundant job opportunities.

For instance, most of the most expensive cities in California are home to some of the best schools and universities in the country. The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District has some of the highest-rated public schools in California and is known for providing quality education at all levels.

In addition to excellent schools, these exclusive neighborhoods offer residents access to world-class recreational facilities like golf courses, swimming pools, tennis courts, and fitness centers.

Furthermore, living in an affluent area can provide you with ample job opportunities that pay higher salaries than those found elsewhere. The leading tech hubs like San Francisco and Silicon Valley are home to many innovative companies that offer a range of exciting job prospects across various industries like life sciences or telecommunications. These areas have plenty of networking events where you can meet people from different industries who share similar interests as yours.

What city in California has the highest cost of living? Let’s find out in the next section!

What city in California has the highest cost of living?

Let’s take a look at which California city will put the biggest strain on your wallet.

San Francisco is notorious for being the most expensive place to live in California, with a cost of living that is 169.3% above the U.S. average. In fact, San Francisco has the highest cost of living in the entire country.

Here are some factors contributing to its high cost of living:

• Limited housing options: San Francisco is known for having limited housing options, which drives up demand and prices.
• Skyrocketing real estate prices: The median home price in San Francisco is around $1.4 million, making it difficult for many people to afford to buy property.
• High transportation costs: With limited space and lots of traffic, transportation costs can be quite high in San Francisco.

With such a high cost of living, it’s important to consider whether or not you can afford to live comfortably in San Francisco before making any big decisions about moving there.

But if you’re determined to move to California and want more affordable options, let’s take a look at which part of California might be best suited for you next.

Which part of California is best to live in?

Now that you know which city in California has the highest cost of living, you might be wondering where to live instead.

Luckily, there are many great options throughout the state that offer a high quality of life without breaking the bank. One popular area is Sacramento, California’s capital city, which offers a reasonable cost of living and plenty of educational opportunities.

San Jose is another bustling city with a healthy job market and high quality of life. And if you’re looking for coastal living, San Diego and Santa Barbara both offer beautiful weather and thriving arts scenes.

Los Angeles also provides ample employment opportunities and access to entertainment venues. Whether you prefer big cities or small towns, Northern or Southern California, there’s sure to be an option that meets your needs.

How to save money in Expensive Cities?

If you’re looking to save some cash while living in a high-cost city, here’s how you can cut costs and still enjoy all the amenities it has to offer.

First, assess your lifestyle and determine what expenses are most important to you. By prioritizing your spending, you can make informed decisions about where to cut back. For example, if travel is a top priority for you, consider cutting back on dining out or buying new clothes instead.

Creating a budget is also crucial to saving money in an expensive city. It helps track your expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. Look for ways to reduce transportation costs by walking, biking, or using public transportation instead of owning a car.

Additionally, cooking at home instead of eating out can save significant amounts of money over time. With these tips in mind, it’s possible to enjoy all that an expensive city has to offer without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Well, congratulations! You’ve just finished reading about the most expensive cities to live in California. Aren’t you thrilled?

I mean, who wouldn’t want to pay a fortune for their home and everyday expenses? It’s not like there are any other options, right?

All jokes aside, while living in these cities may come with a hefty price tag, they offer many benefits such as access to top-notch amenities and job opportunities.

However, if you’re looking to save some money, it might be worth considering other parts of California that still offer a great quality of life without breaking the bank.

Remember, at the end of the day, it’s all about finding what works best for you and your budget.