Stop California Dreaming - SoCal is More Affordable Than You Think

Amazing mountain ranges, some of the best beaches in the world, stunning deserts, endless sunshine … you may think that Southern California, with its palatial estates perched on cliffs overlooking the ocean, is only for wealthy celebrities, but there are several affordable cities in SoCal so you can stop dreaming about that laid-back, beachy lifestyle and start enjoying it.

Comparison: 10 Affordable Cities in Southern California

What Is Southern California?

Southern California is considered a "megapolitan" region -- basically, it is all of California's southern section (considered everything south of the Sierra Nevada Mountains).

The area includes eight counties:

• Los Angeles
• Orange
• San Diego
• San Bernardino
• Riverside
• Ventura
• Santa Barbara
• Imperial

The major cities include:

• Hollywood
• Beverly Hills
• Los Angeles
• Santa Barbara
• San Diego
• Palm Springs
• Malibu
• Long Beach

It is home to many tourist destinations, including Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland, and the San Diego Zoo. It is also the epicenter of the movie industry, and it is home to nearly 23 million people.

Life in Southern California Is Beachy

The beaches in SoCal are legendary: Catalina Island, La Jolla, Venice Beach, Newport Beach, Coronado, Laguna Beach … each offers something different, from the quirky and fun Venice Beach to the stunning cliffs and elegance of El Matador Beach.

The shopping is as legendary as the beaches -- Rodeo Drive, Union Square, South Coast Plaza, El Paseo, Ghirardelli Square … no matter where in SoCal you choose to live, you'll be near some seriously impressive shops and restaurants.

What Does It Cost to Live in Southern California?

From its diverse landscape to its movie stars to its shopping, SoCal is a truly one-of-a-kind location. And that, naturally, comes with a price. For example, rent prices in Los Angeles are 33 percent above the national average, and the LA cost of living is more than 49 percent higher than the national average. Farther south in San Diego, you'll find rent prices that are 44 percent higher than average.

But Southern California covers a large area, and there are some terrific cities where your rent dollar will stretch further. 

Here are some terrific, affordable SoCal cities and the current average rent for each:

San Bernardino

• Average rent in San Bernardino: $1,294

Ideally positioned to give you access to the greater Inland Empire region, San Bernardino is one of Southern California’s most budget-friendly options. The city is nestled against the San Bernardino Mountains, offering scenic views and quick access to outdoor recreation like hiking, camping, and skiing.

San Bernardino is home to California State University, San Bernardino and features the original McDonald’s site-turned museum. The city is experiencing steady growth, thanks to its proximity to major highways and strong logistics industry. For renters looking to stay within commuting distance to Riverside, Redlands, or even LA, San Bernardino is an excellent option.

Victorville

• Average rent in Victorville: $1,420

Located in the High Desert, residents of Victorville enjoy easy access to nature, including the Mojave Desert and the mountains. Victorville is the largest city in the Victor Valley of San Bernardino County. 

While you might choose Victorville for its proximity to attractions like the Mojave Narrows Regional Park and the California Route 66 Museum in Old Town Victorville, this city has plenty to offer. It’s home to Victor Valley College and the Southern California Logistics Airport, and it is within driving distance to Los Angeles and Palm Springs.

Bakersfield

• Average rent in Bakersfield: $1,199

Located at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, Bakersfield offers some of the most affordable living in California, with rent prices well below both the state and national averages.

Often called the agricultural heart of California, Bakersfield leads the state in citrus, almond, and grape production. It's also the birthplace of the “Bakersfield Sound,” a distinct style of country music made famous by artists like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.

Bakersfield is a diverse and growing city nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, with the Kern River running through it. Residents enjoy access to outdoor recreation like hiking, whitewater rafting, and fishing—just minutes from town.

Its location also puts you within driving distance of Los Angeles, the Central Coast, and Sequoia National Forest, making it a convenient base for adventure without the price tag of coastal living.

Lancaster

• Average rent in Lancaster: $1,622

Snug in the Antelope Valley of northern Los Angeles County, Lancaster is known for its quality of life and affordability. Its location places you within reach of both the mountains and Southern California’s beaches. The city offers a peaceful atmosphere, stunning desert sunsets, and convenient access to outdoor adventures.

Lancaster embraces its creative spirit with a thriving arts scene. The downtown BLVD Cultural District is home to the Lancaster Museum of Art and History, along with trendy shops and local restaurants.

Residents enjoy year-round sunshine and easy access to scenic trails in the Sierra Pelona and San Gabriel foothills, making it an appealing spot for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

Irvine

• Average rent in Irvine: $2,865

While slightly more expensive than most other cities on the list, Irvine is home to the University of California-Irvine, Concordia University, and Pepperdine University. This award-winning city tops the best-places lists, with one of the highest quality of life ratings in the country. As for safety, Irvine has earned the “safest city” award 15 years in a row.

Cypress

• Average rent in Cypress: $2,215

As one of the most popular Los Angeles suburbs, Cypress is slightly northeast of Seal Beach and directly west of Disneyland Park.

Once a leader in the dairy industry, this former rural area of about 1,600 residents has grown into a thriving city with award-winning schools and a population of nearly 50,000. The city is between California State University-Long Beach on the west side and Knott's Berry Farm to the east.

Goleta

• Average rent in Goleta: $1,317

Goleta is a seaside city that's as affordable as it is beautiful. To the north, you'll find the vast mountains of Los Padres National Forest. To the south, the coast -- including Goleta Beach Park. You'll also find the University of California-Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Airport.

Goleta is in Santa Barbara County and features a population of about 30,000. Goleta means "Good Land," and the name fits. This is the birthplace of singer Katy Perry and it is the location of Deckers Outdoor Corporation (the parent company for UGG Australia).

Monrovia

• Average rent in Monrovia: $1,730

When you rent in Monrovia, your backyard is the San Gabriel Mountains. The palm trees and mountains make for stunning views -- and the hiking is amazing.

It is so beautiful, in fact, that the landscape is often used as the background for movie and television productions. Monrovia is part of Los Angeles County and features its very own tech corridor.

Palm Springs

• Average rent in Palm Springs: $1,673

Perhaps you would prefer a desert landscape to the ocean. Your idea of fun is off-roading through miles of barren sand -- not surfing the waves. In that case, consider Palm Springs -- even if you want to occasionally cool off at the beach or go hiking in the mountains, this handy location puts you near it all. In about two hours, you could be surfing. In less than an hour, you could be exploring Joshua Tree National Park.

Palm Springs became famous as a movie-star retreat in the 1930s, with stars like Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, and Frank Sinatra all owning hideaways in Palm Springs.

Oxnard

• Average rent in Oxnard: $2,195

Famous for miles of beautiful beaches and rolling sand dunes, Oxnard offers a true coastal lifestyle with easy access to Los Angeles and the nearby Channel Islands National Park, reachable via the city’s harbor. Located in Ventura County, Oxnard enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, sunny summers, perfect for year-round outdoor living.

While the average rent is trending up, Oxnard is still one of the more affordable coastal cities in Southern California. Set on the fertile Oxnard Plain, the city is a powerhouse in agriculture, especially known for its strawberries.

Oxnard celebrates its cultural richness with festivals like the Oxnard Salsa Festival and Multicultural Festival. For a dose of history, Heritage Square offers charming, restored homes and a glimpse into the city’s early 20^th-century roots.

Other Affordable SoCal Cities

Of course, there are other affordable cities in Southern California, so if you want to explore a few more places in sunny SoCal, here are a few more cities to get you started. 

• San Gabriel - average rent: $1,691
• South Pasadena - average rent: $1,836
• San Luis Obispo - average rent: $1,946
• Westminster - average rent: $2,151
• Redondo Beach - average rent: $2,460
• Seal Beach - average rent: $2,486
• Costa Mesa - average rent: $2,492

Apartments.com can help you find the perfect location in SoCal. Start on the Rent Market Trends page for Los Angeles. Scroll down to the comparison tool, and type in the California cities you want to compare. We’ll help you make that California dream a reality!

This article was originally published on January 18, 2019 and has since been updated.