Moving to California: What You Need to Know
California remains the largest state economy in the US and the 5th largest economy in the world, with a GDP exceeding $4 trillion. Despite net domestic outmigration in recent years, the state continues to attract workers in tech, entertainment, and biotech with median salaries well above the national average. Housing costs are the biggest challenge -- the median home price sits around $750,000, though inland cities like Sacramento and Fresno offer significantly more affordable options.
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Cost of Living in California
Median Home Price
$750,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,100/mo
Avg Local Move
$1,400
Avg Long-Distance Move
$5,800
Taxes in California
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 1%–13.3% (progressive) |
| Effective Property Tax | 0.71% |
| State Sales Tax | 7.25% + local up to 2.5% |
Job Market & Economy
California Climate & Weather
Varies dramatically by region. Southern California is warm and dry year-round. San Francisco is cool and foggy. The Central Valley has hot summers. Northern mountains get heavy snowfall.
Best Cities to Move to in California
Pros and Cons of Living in California
Pros
- +World-leading tech, entertainment, and innovation economy
- +Diverse climate zones from beaches to mountains to deserts
- +Exceptional food, culture, and diversity
- +Strong worker protections and employee benefits
Cons
- -Highest state income tax in the nation at 13.3% top rate
- -Extremely high housing costs, especially coastal areas
- -Traffic congestion in major metros
- -Wildfire risk in many areas
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Get an itemized estimate for your move to California -- truck or movers, flights, housing deposits, storage, and contingency. Free, no account required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move to California?
Moving to California is among the most expensive interstate moves due to high demand. A cross-country move to California typically costs $4,500–$9,000+ for a 3-bedroom home. Moves from neighboring states like Arizona or Nevada run $2,000–$4,500.
Where are the most affordable places to live in California?
Sacramento, Bakersfield, Fresno, and Riverside offer median home prices 40–60% below coastal cities. Sacramento has become especially popular with Bay Area remote workers. The Inland Empire (Riverside/San Bernardino) provides relative affordability within commuting distance of LA.
How bad are California taxes?
California has the highest top income tax rate at 13.3%, but that only applies to income over $1 million. Most residents pay 6–9.3%. Property taxes are capped by Prop 13 at roughly 1% of purchase price, which can be favorable for long-term homeowners. Sales tax averages 8.5–9.5% with local additions.
Is California losing population?
California saw modest net domestic outmigration from 2020–2023, primarily to Texas, Arizona, and Nevada. However, international immigration and births have kept the total population relatively stable at around 39 million. The outmigration has slowed significantly as of 2025.
What are the best cities to move to in California in 2026?
San Diego offers the best weather and a growing biotech sector. Sacramento is the most affordable major metro with a rapidly improving downtown. San Jose and the Bay Area remain unbeatable for tech careers. Irvine is consistently ranked safest and most family-friendly. Long Beach offers LA access with lower costs and a beach lifestyle.