California offers a wide range of places to live, from coastal communities to fast-growing suburban cities and major technology hubs. For people considering a move, factors such as household income, housing costs, rent, unemployment, and commute times can help provide a clearer picture of what life might look like in a particular city.
Some California communities stand out for their high median household incomes, while others offer a different balance between earnings and housing expenses. However, a higher income does not necessarily mean a more affordable lifestyle, especially in areas where home values and rents are also elevated.
Quick Guide
- State: California
- Category: City Rankings and Living Costs
- Based On: Population, household income, unemployment, commute times, and housing statistics provided
- Includes: 10 California cities, median home values, median rents, and economic information
- Best For: People researching California cities and comparing potential places to live
- Note: Figures are based on the supplied data and may change over time. They should be checked against current official sources before making housing or relocation decisions.
- Source: usnews.com
The following 10 cities are ranked from No. 10 to No. 1 based on the figures provided. The statistics include population, median age, household income, average commute time, unemployment rate, median home value, and median rent.
10. Redondo Beach, CA
Located along Southern California’s coastline, Redondo Beach offers a coastal lifestyle with access to beaches and nearby employment centers. The city has an estimated population of 70,382, with a median age of 41.0. Its median household income is $147,512, while the average commute takes approximately 22.26 minutes. The reported unemployment rate is 4.9%.
Housing costs are a significant consideration for anyone planning to move here. The median home value is $1,231,527, while renters can expect a median monthly rent of around $2,300.
9. Fremont, CA
Fremont is a large East Bay community in the San Francisco Bay Area. Its location makes it a consideration for people working in the region’s technology and business sectors. Fremont has approximately 230,565 residents and a median age of 38.4. The median household income is $183,013, and the average commute time is about 28.4 minutes. Its reported unemployment rate is 4.33%.
Buying a home in Fremont can require a substantial budget, with the median home value reaching $1,355,911. The median monthly rent is approximately $2,533, making housing expenses an important factor for both homeowners and renters.
 8. Santa Clara, CA
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara is known for its technology industry, business centers, and established residential neighborhoods. The city has a population of approximately 137,260, with a median age of 34.3. Its median household income is $187,316, and residents have an average commute time of around 20.59 minutes. The unemployment rate is reported at 4.62%.
Housing is relatively expensive. The median home value stands at $1,571,084, while the median monthly rent is approximately $2,813. These figures highlight the cost of living that prospective residents may need to consider before moving to the area.
 7. San Ramon, CA
San Ramon is an East Bay city that combines residential neighborhoods with business and employment centers. Its suburban setting attracts people looking for housing outside the more densely populated parts of the Bay Area.
San Ramon has an estimated population of 85,755 and a median age of 39.8. The median household income is $204,458, while the average commute takes approximately 29.75 minutes. Its reported unemployment rate is 4.44%.
The median home value is $1,380,229, and the median monthly rent is around $2,583. Although household incomes are relatively high, housing costs remain a major part of the financial picture for people considering a move.
 6. Encinitas, CA
Encinitas is a coastal community in San Diego County with an estimated population of 63,739. Its median age is 42.9, making it one of the older populations among the cities on this list. The median household income is $158,376, and the unemployment rate is 4.01%. The average commute time is approximately 21.21 minutes.
Housing costs reflect the appeal of its coastal location. The median home value is $1,531,696, while the median monthly rent is around $2,503. People considering Encinitas should weigh its coastal setting against the cost of purchasing or renting a home.
5. Folsom, CA
Folsom stands out on this list for having lower housing costs than several other featured California cities. It has an estimated population of 87,780 and a median age of 40.1. The median household income is $142,930, while the unemployment rate is 4.44%. The average commute time is about 21.91 minutes.
The median home value is $664,940, considerably below the figures reported for most other cities in this ranking. The median rent is approximately $2,040 per month. For people comparing housing costs across California, Folsom offers a different price range while still providing access to the Sacramento region.
4. Sunnyvale, CA
Sunnyvale has approximately 160,298 residents, with a median age of 34.8. Its relatively young population and location in Silicon Valley make it an important city for people researching the Bay Area housing market. The median household income is $191,443, and the unemployment rate is 4.44%. The average commute time is approximately 20.72 minutes.
However, housing is expensive. The median home value reaches $1,757,390, while the median monthly rent is around $2,828. Anyone considering Sunnyvale should account for these housing expenses when comparing job opportunities and living costs.
3. Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto has an estimated population of 70,261 and a median age of 42.9. Known for its Silicon Valley location, the city is among the higher-income communities featured in this ranking. Its median household income is $226,407, while the unemployment rate is 4.08%. The average commute time is approximately 20.39 minutes.
Housing costs are particularly high. The median home value is $2,667,033, and the median rent is about $3,016 per month. These figures show why prospective residents need to consider their housing budget carefully before choosing Palo Alto.
2. Cupertino, CA
Cupertino is a well-known Silicon Valley city with strong connections to the technology sector. Its location and employment opportunities make it an important part of the region’s economy.
Cupertino has approximately 59,107 residents, and its median age is 41.0. The median household income is $239,490, while the average commute time is about 23.45 minutes. The reported unemployment rate is 3.58%.
The housing market is also among the most expensive in this ranking. The median home value is $2,530,923, and the median monthly rent is approximately $3,259. Although Cupertino has one of the highest household income figures on the list, its housing expenses can present a significant challenge for people who do not earn comparable incomes.
1. Dublin, CA
Dublin takes the No. 1 position in this ranking. The city has an estimated population of 71,419 and a median age of 37. Its median household income is $211,868, while the unemployment rate is 3.42%, the lowest among the 10 cities featured here. The average commute time is approximately 31.2 minutes.
The median home value is $1,283,390, and the median monthly rent is around $2,681. These figures make Dublin an interesting community to compare with other Bay Area cities. Its household income is relatively high, although residents still need to account for considerable housing expenses and commuting time.
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What to Consider Before Moving to These California Cities
California offers a variety of communities with different housing markets, employment opportunities, and lifestyles. The figures in this ranking show that higher household incomes often come alongside higher home values and rental costs, particularly in Silicon Valley and coastal communities.
Folsom has the lowest median home value among the 10 cities featured, at approximately $664,940. Meanwhile, Palo Alto has the highest reported median home value, at about $2.67 million. Cupertino reports the highest median monthly rent at approximately $3,259.
Dublin has the lowest reported unemployment rate at 3.42%, while Fremont has the largest estimated population at 230,565.
Ultimately, choosing where to live in California involves more than comparing household incomes. Housing affordability, employment opportunities, transportation, commute times, and personal lifestyle preferences all play a role.
People considering relocation should review the latest local housing and economic data before making a final decision.
