10 California Cities Where You Can Actually Live on Nothing but Social Security

Thanks to its scenic beaches, beautiful redwood forests, and walkable cities, California is a popular retirement spot for seniors. But the state isn’t exactly known for its affordability — especially when it comes to housing. 

Can retirees on a fixed budget really avoid wasting money if they want to enjoy their golden years in the notoriously pricy Golden State?

If you move to one of these more affordable California cities, the answer could be a resounding yes. Keep reading to explore budget-friendly locales where you can make your retirement savings stretch as far as possible.

Unless otherwise noted, all data on rent and housing payments listed below came from Redfin.

Median rent: $1,652

Median home sale price: $408,000

If you want to live in one of California’s bigger cities without paying San Francisco prices, Fresno could be a good fit. While the median home value is still over $400,000, the median rent is just over $1,500 — which could make it an affordable choice for seniors looking forward to a stress-free retirement in the state’s agricultural hub where fresh, local produce is available year-round.

Median rent: $1,348

Median home sale price: $440,000

Located about an hour and a half north of Sacramento, Chico is a nice northern California town surrounded by national forests. While median home prices there are higher than in Fresno, the rent is lower, and exploring the great outdoors makes for an affordable activity that never gets old.

Median rent: $1,343

Median home sale price: $439,500

Yuba City — located about halfway between Sacramento and Chico — is a small-ish town with low (for California) rent prices, nice bike trails, and beautiful surrounding buttes. Plus, while the cost of living in the area is still higher than the national average, it’s 21% lower than the cost of living in the average California city.

Median rent: $1,454

Median home sale price: $445,000

If you love living near the waterfront but aren’t interested in coastal prices, Stockton could be a good fit. Numerous lakes in the area make for great fishing, boating, swimming, or simply taking in the view. Plus, Stockton isn’t too far from San Francisco, meaning you can spend a weekend in the city before coming home to enjoy a more reasonable cost of living.

Median rent: $1,615

Median home sale price: $440,000

Unlike many housing markets in California, Modesto’s market saw a bit of a decrease from 2023 to 2024. While more houses are selling in the area, they’re staying on the market for longer and going for more reasonable prices. Modesto also boasts a nice art scene and plenty of opportunities to get outdoors.

Median rent: $2,109

Median home sale price: $469,000

Hesperia’s median rent is a bit above that of other cities on our list, but this small town in the Mojave Desert is a sun-lover’s paradise (and could present a cheaper alternative to pricier retirement areas in parts of Florida or Arizona).

And even though the city is a true high desert town, several nearby lakes give you the opportunity to cool off if you’re tired of the summer heat.

Median rent: $1,408

Median home sale price: $410,000

If your primary goal in moving is to minimize housing costs, Bakersfield should be near the top of your list. It’s an ideal spot for renters and homeowners alike, and while the area is a far cry from California’s major metropolitan areas, nature-lovers will relish the city’s proximity to the gorgeous Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Median rent: $1,423

Median home sale price: $409,995

Visalia is at the heart of central California’s lush agricultural center. Even better, the city is just an hour away from Sequoia National Park.

If you’ve purchased your seniors-only America the Beautiful National Parks pass — which costs a one-time fee of $80 and lasts the rest of your lifetime — you’ll never be more than a short drive away from one of the most unique natural spots in the country.

Median rent: $1,624

Median home sale price: $457,500

Located in San Bernardino County, Victorville is an ideal (and affordable) relocation spot for anyone who craves plenty of sun with mild, snow-light winters. The city is just a few hours away from both Los Angeles and Las Vegas as well as plenty of state parks, national forests, and hiking trails that should keep you occupied during the winter months.

Median rent: $1,872

Median home sale price: $484,500

Just an hour away from Los Angeles, Lancaster lacks the high population, smoggy skies, expensive prices, and gridlocked traffic of the nearby urban center. The city has year-round outdoor activities and a hopping local food scene with dozens of restaurants to suit any palate.

As long as you’re happy visiting the Bay Area on the occasional weekend instead of moving next door to Silicon Valley, California could be a surprisingly budget-friendly retirement spot.

But no matter where in the world your retirement plan takes you, taking steps to live within your means, avoid credit card debt, and spend wisely can ensure you have enough money to last the rest of your life.