California dreaming is real—think gorgeous weather, stunning beaches, and tons of fun stuff to do. But here’s the catch: living in some of California’s most famous cities? Yeah, it’ll cost you big time. Los Angeles and San Francisco aren’t exactly budget-friendly places to call home. Good news though? There are plenty of hidden gems throughout California where your wallet will breathe a sigh of relief. The social network app Nextdoor recently put out a list of the most wallet-friendly California towns. They used data from Nextdoor users and other sources to rank towns on affordability, scoring them from 0 to 100. You might not recognize these smaller communities by name, but they’ve got all the sunshine and charm you’re looking for—plus that small-town feel. Ready to find your new California home without breaking the bank? Check out these affordable spots. California, here we come!
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5 Cheap Places You Can Move To In California Next Year
Farmersville: Perfect for families and dog lovers
Located in California’s central valley, Farmersville lives up to its name—you’ll find orchards, dairy farms, and tons of agricultural action. If you’ve got kids, Phan’s Strawberries is a family-run gem, and Ford Farms nearby has a petting zoo, pony rides, and a pumpkin patch that’ll make everyone happy.
On Nextdoor, Farmersville’s 10,393 residents can’t stop raving about how walkable it is, how family-focused the community feels, and just how dog-friendly the whole place is.
Looking for an affordable spot? Farmersville scored a stellar 95 on Nextdoor’s affordability scale. The median home price? Around $340,000—way less than what you’d pay in LA. Sure, you’re about 4 hours from the Big Sur beaches, but you’re just 18 miles from Lake Kaweah, a gorgeous 2,000-acre reservoir. Plus, you’re roughly an hour away from Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, where you can hike, camp, and marvel at those massive trees.
Coalinga’s charm and community vibes
Manuela Durson/Shutterstock Sitting in the San Joaquin Valley, Coalinga snagged the fourth spot on Nextdoor’s 2026 list of affordable California cities. With 17,488 residents, folks here love the clean, peaceful atmosphere and the tight-knit, diverse community vibe. In fact, it ranked number 8 on Niche’s list of the Most Diverse Places to Live in Fresno County.
While Coalinga has some cool remnants from its oil boom days, the Harris Ranch Resort is definitely worth checking out. It’s won a bunch of “Best of Central California” awards from The Fresno Bee.
Thinking about moving? Coalinga scored an impressive 95 on affordability, with a median home price of around $318,000. Location matters too, and locals describe it perfectly—a small town full of genuinely good people. As one resident gushed in a review, “Everyone knows each other: simple life and trusted people in a small town of Coalinga. The community does a great job of building and helping a friendly village.“
Lamont: Diversity and convenient access
sc_images/Shutterstock Just outside Bakersfield, Lamont’s 13,715 residents love that they’re minutes from the freeway, making commutes a breeze. The community scores high marks for being super friendly and incredibly affordable—it landed number 3 on Nextdoor’s 2026 list. Per Niche, about half the locals own their homes, with a median price of just $220,700. Rent? You’re looking at under $1,000, nearly $500 less than the national average.
While Bakersfield is nearby with its Kern County Museum and Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, Lamont has its own charm—Bear Mountain Park is a sweet spot for local recreation. Oh, and the Pacific Ocean is only 2 hours away. Residents praise the job market here too, mentioning that “because it’s surrounded by fields and crops, this community always has jobs available in agriculture.” Another chimed in, “It may be small, but the people are polite and helpful. The schools in Lamont provide many ways to help parents with their children.“
Mendota’s special traditions and character
Mattgush/Getty Images Landing in second place on Nextdoor’s 2026 list of affordable California cities is Mendota. The massive 12,000-acre Mendota wildlife area is perfect for birdwatchers, anglers, hikers, and anyone who loves getting out on the water.
Head to local spots for authentic Salvadoran food, and don’t miss the seasonal farmers market packed with fresh produce. But what really puts this place on the map? It’s the fertile central valley that earned Mendota the nickname “Cantaloupe Center of the World.“
Life in this rural community of 12,603 residents comes with an amazing affordability score of 99. While home prices are creeping up, the median sits at $281,000 with rent hovering just over $1,000. One resident noted there isn’t a ton to do beyond enjoying fresh produce straight from the source, but they shared this gem: “Mendota is a very small town full of different nationalities. We might be a small town, but we unite as a whole when it is needed.“
Avenal: The Pistachio Capital of the World
Mattgush/Getty Images Avenal takes the top spot on Nextdoor’s 2026 list of affordable California cities. But that’s far from the only reason its 13,423 residents are thrilled. Beyond amazing Mexican food and a cool vintage-style downtown theater, Avenal is home to a unique privately-owned glider-only airport. Aviation buffs can hang out and watch non-powered sailplanes launch and land.
This rural town also shines for its genuinely friendly folks, peaceful atmosphere, and quick freeway access. With median home prices hovering just under $229,000 and rent barely over $1,000, residents definitely get great value for their money.
Here’s another fun fact locals love to mention: Avenal earned the title “Pistachio Capital of the World” thanks to the surrounding pistachio orchards. While some residents wish there were more shops, one local shared optimism, “I believe the city has the potential to grow and flourish.“
