The Cheapest Places To Live In California

(Image credit: Getty Images)

California may be known for its high property taxes. After all, median property tax bills can exceed $9,000 in some areas of the state. But not every homeowner in California pays a high tax bill (at least compared to other Californians). The cheapest places to live in California have median property tax bills below $2,000, and median home prices in these counties are below the state average.

Cheapest places to live in California

After ranking property tax bills to determine the cheapest places to live in California, one thing is clear. Rural areas of the state generally offer more affordable living than highly populated areas. So, if big-city living isn’t on your must-have list, check out these California counties.

[Data used to rank the cheapest counties in California is based on annual median property tax bills provided by the US Census Bureau and presented by the Tax Foundation. Median home prices are based on reported monthly median selling prices rather than listing prices and are based on data presented by Redfin.]

From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance

Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just ~~$107.88~~ $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues

CLICK FOR FREE ISSUE

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/y99mlvgqmn1763972420.png

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.

Sierra County

Located in Northern California with the Sierra Buttes in the background

Median Property Tax Bill: $1,924

Median Home Price: $495,000

Home prices are fairly high in Sierra County, with a median selling price of more than $400,000. However, the median property tax bill of $1,924 is low compared to many other areas of California. Relocating to this county may be a good option for Californians looking for a rural lifestyle. Sierra County is home to several scenic landmarks, including the Tahoe National Forest and Independence Lake.

Lake County

Northern California Vineyard during springtime

Median Property Tax Bill: $1,909

Median Home Price: $300,000

Lake County is a rural area located in Northern California. The county is known for its plentiful grapes and delectable wine. But this part of California sees fewer tourists than many regions of the state, which makes it a desirable location for some Californians. And with median property tax bills of just over $1,900, Lake County is one of the cheapest places to live in California.

Glenn County

Median Property Tax Bill: $1,891

Median Home Price: $340,000

Glenn County, California is known for its rich farmlands, and agriculture largely drives the county’s economy. The median home price in Glenn County is slightly higher than in some other counties on this list, but compared to the rest of the state, home costs are below average. And, of course, median property tax bills are below the state average, too.

Tulare County

Picture of Sequoia National Park California

Median Property Tax Bill: $1,839

Median Home Price: $369,000

With median property tax bills below $1,900 and a short drive to California’s coastline, Tulare County might be a good option for home seekers who want to remain in the state. The county is well known for its rich agriculture and is home to several public recreational areas, including the Sequoia National Park.

Trinity County

South Fork of the Trinity River flowing through the mountains of Northwest California Western US

Median Property Tax Bill: $1,753

Median Home Price: $315,000

Trinity County features dense forests and mountains, not to mention some of the most affordable housing California has to offer. Home prices are well below the state average, as are property tax bills. Of course, residents of Trinity County will still be subject to California state income and sales taxes, which can climb higher than in most states.

Siskiyou County

Waterfall and moss on cliff of Mossbrae Falls, Dunsmuir, California, USA

Median Property Tax Bill: $1,665

Median Home Price: $329,000

California isn’t all crowded beaches and highways. Siskiyou County is home to beautiful mountains, scenic rivers, and several lakes and streams. With median property tax bills below $1,700 per year, the area could make the perfect relocation spot for California families who enjoy exploring nature.

Lassen County

Fallen branches and logs resting at the bottom of a lake at Lassen Volcanic National Park in California

Median Property Tax Bill: $1,615

Median Home Price: $224,000

The median home price in Lassen County, California is slightly lower than in Siskiyou County, and property tax bills are lower, too. Lassen County is located in Northeast California and is yet another rural area of the state, featuring rich farmlands, forests, and scenic mountains.

Tehama County

Median Property Tax Bill: $1,613

Median Home Price: $355,000

You will find plenty of recreational activities in Tehama County, such as hiking, camping, and fishing. In the centermost part of the county, residents can visit the Sacramento River, one the most well-known Salmon spawning rivers in the nation. Residents can enjoy all this while paying some of the lowest property tax bills in the state.

Del Norte County

Median Property Tax Bill: $1,586

Median Home Price: $380,000

If you’re interested in Northwestern California, consider Del Norte County. Median property tax bills are among the lowest in the state, at below $1,600, and there are plenty of things for families to do. You can walk through redwood forests, visit an aquarium, or enjoy whale watching on the Pacific Ocean.

Modoc County

Median Property Tax Bill: $1,351

Median Home Price: $130,000

According to Redfin, the Modoc County housing market is competitive, and given the low property tax bills and reasonable home prices, it’s easy to understand why. This Northeastern California county is one of the least populated in the state, so it may be a good choice for people who don’t want their neighbors close by.

Katelyn has more than 6 years of experience working in tax and finance. While she specialized in tax content while working at Kiplinger from 2023 to 2024, Katelyn has also written for digital publications on topics including insurance, retirement, and financial planning and had financial advice commissioned by national print publications. She believes knowledge is the key to success and enjoys providing content that educates and informs.