California is a state that is often considered expensive, but there are some great options for those looking to move to this area. If you’re searching for an affordable place to live near the beach, consider these cities.
Attractions In Places to Live in California Near Beach
Despite California being known as the most expensive state in the country, there are still many places to live in California near beach that are affordable. These quaint towns are perfect for those who want to enjoy the West Coast without breaking the bank.
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Clovis
Part of the Fresno metro, this Central California city is comfortably sized and full of young families. It has a low crime rate, high-rated schools, and a variety of affordable housing options.
Eureka
A beautiful, quaint seaport town that stays around 50 degrees all year long, Eureka is one of the most affordable places to live in Northern California. It offers unlimited sightseeing opportunities, recreational hubs, and museums.
Mill Valley
This Bay Area city is deemed “exceptionally livable” by AreaVibes due to its A+ amenities, stable housing market and low crime rates. It also boasts some of the best public and private schools in the state.
Leucadia
North County’s sleepy little surf town is a great spot for those who don’t want to pay the usual price tag of Encinitas but still crave the beach and its fun activities. Its apartment rentals offer a secluded setting with plenty of vintage eateries, coffee shops, and parks in close proximity to the ocean.
Seal Beach
A coastal beach town located just south of Los Angeles, Seal Beach is a popular choice for families and surfers alike. Homes here are affordable and property taxes are also surprisingly low.
The city is also near Redwood National and State Parks, making it a popular choice for those who love outdoor activities.
Arcata #1
Arcata is a small college town located on Humboldt Bay in the north coast of California. It’s a lively town with a young population full of artists and free thinkers. It also has plenty of nightlife, restaurants and coffee shops.
The city has a hippie counter culture and is known for its progressive politics. Its residents are active in preserving the area’s natural resources. There are many things to do in this city, and it is a great place to explore nature.
The Redwood National and State Parks are a short drive away, and the surrounding area is home to several hiking trails. It is a popular vacation spot with many visitors. Its climate is dominated by marine influences from Humboldt Bay and the Pacific Ocean, so it can experience 40 to 50 inches of rain per year.
The average temperature in Arcata is relatively cool, but it can reach the low 60s in the summer. This is a result of the coastal upwelling of deep, cold ocean water that occurs in summer and causes fog.
| Weather | 10°C, Wind NE at 3 km/h |
| Population | 19,114 (2021) |
| Elevation | 7.01 m |
| Area code | 707 |
Eureka #2
The largest coastal city north of San Francisco, Eureka is an ideal place to stay if you’re interested in exploring the redwoods and enjoying a relaxing getaway. The historic downtown district is awash with Victorian architecture and creative arts. You’ll also find plenty of one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, and artisanal businesses.
If you’re traveling with your family, Eureka has many fun activities to keep everyone entertained. The beaches, forests, and mountains are within walking distance of the city, making it easy to explore nature.
With a population of 27,000, this is a small town, but it offers all the amenities you need for a comfortable, affordable lifestyle. It’s an ideal place for young professionals and growing families to raise their children.
While the cost of living is slightly higher than other cities in California, it is still quite affordable compared to the US average. Housing prices are on the lower end, while property taxes are a fraction of the national average. As for income, the state has a progressive income tax system that increases with earnings.
| Weather | 9°C, Wind E at 3 km/h |
| ZIP Codes | 95501–95503, 95534 |
| Area | 37.43 km² |
| Population | 26,489 (2021) |
| Area code | 707 |
Long Beach #3
Long Beach is a city that offers many great amenities. Its beaches are a popular tourist destination and it is a great place to live with a family. It is also known for its fantastic schools and recreational centers.
The area has plenty of shopping options to choose from, ranging from large retailers to small boutiques. It is also home to a number of outlet stores for popular brands and a vibrant thrifting community.
It is also possible to take a trip on the Long Beach ferry to nearby areas like Los Angeles and Orange County, where you can explore some of California’s most iconic attractions. This is also a great way to save on travel expenses.
If you are planning to move to Long Beach, it is important to consider your budget before making any decisions. The cost of living in the area is quite high and it may be a challenge for some people to afford.
If you want to know how much money you will need to live comfortably in Long Beach, it is recommended that you use a cost of living calculator. This will give you an estimate of how much you will need to spend each month on housing, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare and other miscellaneous items.
| Weather | 14°C, Wind NW at 2 km/h |
| Neighborhoods | Downtown, Belmont Shore, North Long Beach, MORE |
| Population | 4.56 lakhs (2021) |
| ZIP Codes | 90801–90810, 90813–90815, 90822, 90831–90835, 90840, 90842, 90844, 90846–90848, 90853, 90895, 90899 |
| Area code | 562 |
Crescent City #4
Located along the northern coast of California, Crescent City is home to a soaring grove of redwoods and the rippling waters of Smith River. It’s the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life and recharge in the salty air.
In Crescent City, the cost of living is relatively low compared to other cities and towns in California. The average cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care and taxes for a single adult is $37,058 annually — far less than the statewide average of $45,534 or the national average of $38,433.
With a small but lively downtown district, a variety of restaurants and shopping options, and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s no surprise that Crescent City is a popular spot for tourists. It’s also a great location for travelers who want to visit the renowned Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park, which is just five miles from the town center.
For a more active and outdoor experience, explore the woods by taking a guided hike, or get your adrenaline pumping with a whitewater rafting trip on the Middle Fork Smith River. If you’re in the mood for a more leisurely and relaxing getaway, take the scenic route on Howland Hill Road to see some of the area’s tallest trees.
| Weather | 10°C, Wind SE at 5 km/h |
| Population | 6,676 (2021) |
| Elevation | 13 m |
| Area code | Area code 707 |
| ZIP codes | 95531, 95532, 95538 |
South Bay #5
The South Bay is a less touristy area of Los Angeles with excellent beaches and a relaxed vibe. It is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds of LA while still being close to everything that the city has to offer.
There are many ways to enjoy South Bay, including hiking, whale watching, and driving around the Palos Verdes Peninsula. You can also try a helicopter flight that offers panoramic views of the area. Another option for exploring the area is to take a tour of the city.
Depending on your preference, you can explore Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, or Torrance. While there are a lot of different things to do in the area, one of the most popular activities is surfing. There are several great surf spots in the South Bay, including El Porto Beach in Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach.
Other options for water activities include paddleboarding. King Harbour is a favorite spot for this activity, as is the Palos Verdes Peninsula. There are plenty of rental shops nearby if you plan to try your hand at it.
Fort Bragg #6
Fort Bragg is a city on the Mendocino coast that offers travelers plenty to do and see. It is home to the world-famous Skunk Train and the extraordinary Glass Beach, as well as the gorgeous Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.
The historic Pudding Creek Trestle is another must-see. This is a wooden trestle bridge that was built in the early 1900s to transport lumber along the Pudding Creek route. The bridge is easy to walk across, and there are a number of photo opportunities along the way.
It’s also a great place to spot wildlife, especially seals and sea lions. You can even get a glimpse of the harbor from a crab-catching or whale-watching cruise. There are several hotels and other lodging options that take full advantage of the town’s dramatic Mendocino coast.
The Beachcomber Motel features a roaring fire pit on the Mate’s Deck; the Noyo Harbor Inn offers sweeping views of its namesake working port. Food is another expense that has a major impact on the cost of living in Fort Bragg.
On average, a single adult spends $4,205 on food per year, while a family of four will spend $12,143. This is compared to the statewide average of $3,468 for a single adult and $10,016 for a family of four.
| Weather | 8°C, Wind NE at 5 km/h |
| Population | 6,970 (2021) |
| Elevation | 26 m |
| Area code | Area code 707 |
Ventura #7
Located halfway between Malibu and Santa Barbara on California’s Central Coast, Ventura is a classic beach town. The laid-back city has a lot to offer, including a fun downtown and plenty of restaurants.
The coastal city also offers a more relaxed small-town vibe than some other beach areas and has a comfortable climate with little variation in temperatures year-round. Plus, the cost of living is relatively low compared to other beach towns.
Another draw is that the area has a large number of parks and hiking trails, so it’s easy to get out and explore. San Buenaventura State Beach, Seaside Park, Marina Park and Arroyo Verde Park are just a few of the great places to get some exercise in this beautiful part of the country.
The city also hosts several events throughout the year, from wine festivals to cultural events to sporting tournaments. It also boasts a wide variety of shopping options, from high-end designer stores to locally owned boutiques.
| Weather | 12°C, Wind SW at 3 km/h |
| Population | 1.1 lakhs (2021) |
| ZIP codes | 93001–93007, 93009 |
| Area code | 805 |
| Elevation | 36 ft (11 m) |
Santa Barbara #8
Known for its small-town beach vibe, breathtaking sunsets, outdoor activities and world-class restaurants, Santa Barbara is a charming city nestled near the Santa Ynez Mountains on the central California coast.
Here, you’ll find sweeping ocean panoramas paired with Spanish-style architecture just 144 kilometers north of Los Angeles. There are few better ways to feel more like yourself than a day on the beach, and Santa Barbara has no shortage of secluded spots to spend the day soaking up the sun, reading a book, or enjoying a picnic with friends.
If you’re in the mood for more adventure, venture out to nearby Channel Islands and wine country. Ultimately, you’ll need to come up with a solid income to support yourself and your family if you want to enjoy Santa Barbara to the fullest.
If you’re ready to make the jump and move to this beautiful coastal town, be sure to start developing relationships with locals in your new neighborhood to get a headstart on the job hunt (unless you have a healthy savings reserve to live off of).
| Weather | 12°C, Wind S at 3 km/h |
| Population | 88,255 (2021) |
| Area code | Area code 805 |
| Elevation | 49 ft (15 m) |
FAQs about Live In California Near Beach
Can you live on the beach in California?
Yes, it’s possible to live on the beach in California, but it can be expensive and there are strict regulations in some areas. Coastal cities like Malibu, Santa Monica, and San Diego offer beachfront properties, but they come at a premium price. Additionally, there may be restrictions on building and remodeling due to environmental regulations and potential risks from coastal erosion and sea level rise.
What is the safest place in California on the beach?
It’s difficult to determine the “safest” place in California on the beach, as safety can depend on a variety of factors, including crime rates, weather conditions, and natural hazards. However, some cities with low crime rates and strong emergency response systems include Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Coronado. It’s important to always follow safety guidelines and be aware of potential hazards, such as rip currents and high tides.
