Living in California: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in California

Living in California

Last updated on Feb 18, 2023

Summary: People often describe life in California as exciting, diverse, and full of opportunity. People love the warm weather, the beautiful beaches, the diverse culture, and the abundance of outdoor activities. The cost of living in California is higher than the national average, with the median home price in the state being around $550,000. The approximate population of California is 39.5 million, and the largest cities are Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, and Fresno. The cons of living in California include the high cost of living, the traffic congestion, and the high taxes. Additionally, the state is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires, and mudslides.

Is the cost of living in California high?

We asked people about the cost of living in California, they wrote:

"The cost of living in California can vary greatly depending on the region. Generally speaking, the state tends to be significantly more expensive if compared to the rest of the United States; however, those living in certain rural or suburban areas can sometimes find living costs that are more reasonable. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in California will usually cost between $1,200 - $3,000 a month while a nice 2 bedroom apartment may cost between $1,800 - 4,500. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant will usually cost approximately $50 - $100 per meal," remarked one expat living in California.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.