Despite its beautiful views, world-class restaurants and tech-driven job market, the cost of living in San Francisco is skyrocketing. Fortunately, there are still a few affordable places to live in the Bay Area.
Attractions In Places To Live In Bay Area
Whether you’re new to the city or are just looking for a different option, check out this list of the best cheap cities in the Bay Area! These places aren’t just affordable, they offer a great standard of living.
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Vallejo, Dixon, Vacaville and Fairfield fall within Solano County, which has one of the most affordable housing markets in the region. Pittsburgh, Oakley and Antioch also have prices that are significantly lower than the Bay Area average.
Berkeley, the home of the University of California, is another good choice for people who want a less expensive alternative to SF. The city’s average monthly rent is one of the lowest in the area, and it has a very progressive and friendly atmosphere.
Modesto, a major Silicon Valley city, is another surprisingly affordable place to live in the Bay Area. The city was once ranked by Forbes as one of the best “Bang-For-The-Buck” cities, and it’s still a solid value today.
When shopping for a cheap apartment, it’s important to set a budget and be flexible with the features you want. This will help you avoid overspending on amenities you don’t need or want. Fortunately, there are many cities in California that are more affordable and still close to the iconic San Francisco. Here are some of them.
As the housing prices continue to rise, many people are looking for cheaper places to live in the Bay Area.
Vallejo #1
Located in Solano County, Vallejo is one of the cheapest places to live in the Bay Area. It is also a popular destination for tourists as it has many attractions and amenities. Aside from being a cheap place to live, it is also home to the famous Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. The park features over 40 rides that will leave you begging for more.
Vallejo is also home to the Benicia State Recreation Area and San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge. These attractions are both great for enjoying the natural beauty of the area while exploring the many trails and parks.
Its proximity to the city of San Francisco makes it an ideal location for commuters. The city is connected by a ferry system and bus routes. In addition, Evans Transportation offers shuttles between the city and the San Francisco International Airport.
Vallejo is a relatively small city that is still undergoing a major growth phase. Its proximity to San Francisco, along with its excellent schools and pleasant weather, make it a great place to live.
| Weather | 12°C, Wind W at 11 km/h |
| ZIP codes | 94589–94592 |
| Population | 1.25 lakhs (2021) |
| Neighborhoods | Glen Cove, South Vallejo, Guadalcanal Village, MORE |
| Area code | 707 |
San Pablo #2
The Bay Area is known for its high real estate prices, but there are plenty of cheaper places to live. One of those is San Pablo, a city in West Contra Costa County. It’s a quiet, suburban town that’s perfect for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city without paying a fortune.
It’s also close to a lot of natural attractions, including the Point Pinole Regional Shoreline and San Pablo Reservoir. The city is also home to a few local restaurants, such as La Strada and Rockin Crawfish.
Despite being a small city, it’s packed with things to do and see. You’ll find lots of great hiking and biking trails as well as a number of family-friendly parks to explore. If you’re a history buff, the San Pablo Historical Society is a great place to visit. They have an extensive collection of documents and photos from the city’s past.
The city is a popular destination for families, with plenty of outdoor activities and great schools. You’ll also find a variety of affordable housing options and a low crime rate. Whether you’re interested in exploring the area on your own or with your kids, San Pablo is a great place to consider moving to.
| Area code | Area code 510 |
| Population | 31,773 (2021) |
| Area | 6.786 km² |
| Elevation | 16 m |
Concord #3
If you’re looking for a cheap place to live in the Bay Area, Concord may be a great choice. The town offers a mixture of urban and suburban vibes and is perfect for people who enjoy spending time outdoors.
It’s also one of the most affordable towns in California. In fact, the cost of living is significantly less than what you’d find in other cities in the Bay Area. Moreover, it’s a great option for people who want to live in a quiet and calm neighborhood. The town has plenty of longtime homeowners and a laid-back culture.
Another thing that makes it a great place to live is that it’s close to many popular attractions in the area. This includes Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord, Pixieland Amusement Park, Todos Santos Plaza, and Red Door Escape Room.
In addition to all these attractions, Concord is home to a rich literary community and has been the backdrop for some of the most influential writers in American history. Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry David Thoreau all spent time in the town during their literary careers.
| Weather | 13°C, Wind N at 10 km/h |
| Area code | Area code 925 |
| Area | 79.13 km² |
| Population | 1.24 lakhs (2021) |
| Elevation | 75 ft (23 m) |
Alameda #4
Alameda is a great place to live for people who want to be close to the city but still keep their home costs down. It offers a beautiful year-round climate, excellent public schools, and plenty of parks. It also has two ferry terminals, making commuting easy.
The city’s diversity makes it an ideal place to raise a family. You’ll find a mix of high-end, lower-income neighborhoods. You’ll also find a diverse housing stock, including Victorians and Mediterraneans.
Despite its proximity to Oakland, you won’t find the same level of crime here. However, you should know that Alameda is a fishbowl and that the community spirit can turn nasty at times when people disagree on big issues like school curriculum or development at Alameda Point.
In addition to the great schools, Alameda is also home to the USS Hornet – Sea, Air and Space Museum and Pacific Pinball Museum. Its year-round climate and beaches are also a huge draw for families.
In addition, Alameda is a relatively safe place to live thanks to the 25-per-hour speed limit and many well-kept parks. It’s also a great place to live for people who love nature and enjoy hiking, biking, and walking. It’s also a fantastic place to live for those who love to surf or windsurf.
| Weather | 12°C, Wind NW at 10 km/h |
| ZIP Codes | 94501–94502 |
| Area | 59.52 km² |
| Neighborhoods | West End, West Alameda, Woodstock, Leonardville |
| Area code | 510, 341 |
Oakland #5
The Bay Area may be known for its hefty prices, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t affordable options. Oakland, for example, is surprisingly cost-efficient, despite having the same median rent price as San Francisco.
Located just two stops from downtown SF, Oakland has seen a major resurgence in recent years with new shops and restaurants. The fusion of diverse cultures here has led to an influx of ethnic eats, festivals and art that rivals the cosmopolitan vibe of its neighbor across the bridge.
Plus, public transportation is incredibly easy to use. In addition to being a safe, family-friendly city with plenty of opportunities for fun and learning, Oakland also offers a wealth of cultural activities for residents.
With plenty of natural beauty and scenic parks to enjoy, Oakland is a great place to live for anyone looking to get outside. The weather here is also significantly better than in San Francisco, with more days of sunlight and a drier, warmer summer.
| Weather | 11°C, Wind NW at 8 km/h |
| Neighborhoods | Downtown Oakland, West Oakland, Chinatown, MORE |
| Population | 4.34 lakhs (2021) |
| ZIP Codes | 94601–94615, 94617-94624, 94649, 94659–94662, 94666 |
| Area codes | 510/341 |
Sonoma #6
Sonoma is a beautiful place with a lot to offer. It has lots of wineries, museums, and great food to enjoy. It is a popular place for tourists, but it also has plenty of things to do for locals as well. When visiting Sonoma, you should make sure to check out the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve.
It has one of the world’s biggest collections of wild-sourced Asian plants, and it’s a gorgeous spot for meditation and peace. Another place to visit is the Sonoma Botanical Garden. It’s a gorgeous place to take your kids and learn about the world of nature. You can even glean fruit and donate it to the local food bank.
This is a fantastic way to give back to the community and get some exercise! Sonoma is a popular tourist destination for people who enjoy tasting wine. It’s easy to find cheap accommodations near the best Sonoma wineries and taverns.
| Area | 4,579 km² |
| Population | 4.86 lakhs (2021) |
Dublin #7
The Bay Area is a gorgeous place to live and work, but it can be expensive. Fortunately, there are many areas of the region that don’t come with a high price tag and offer an affordable lifestyle.
One of these affordable Bay Area cities is Dublin, a small city in the Tri-Valley region that offers a safe, family-friendly environment with an excellent location close to San Francisco. The city is also home to numerous restaurants, shops, and parks.
Another city that makes our list of cheap places to live in the Bay Area is Walnut Creek, a classic, downtown community with moderately priced housing. The crime rate is relatively low, and the community offers easy access to the larger cities via public transportation.
It’s a popular destination for those seeking a more affordable option for living in the Bay Area. The cost of living in this city is about half that of San Francisco and there are plenty of options to consider when shopping for a new home.
| Weather | 16°C, Wind NW at 5 km/h |
| Population | 71,674 (2021) |
| Elevation | 112 m |
| Area code | Area code 925 |
Modesto #8
Modesto isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of California, but it’s actually a beautiful city that offers plenty of things to do. From classic car culture to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in this Central Valley town.
Known for its agricultural heritage, Modesto is home to Gallo Family Winery, the largest winery in the world. In addition to wine, the area also produces almonds, walnuts, and pistachios. There are plenty of things to do in Modesto, and it’s a great place to visit if you love art, culture, and history.
The city is surrounded by natural beauty and is close to iconic locations like Yosemite National Park. Downtown Modesto is home to the State Theater, which has a variety of shows throughout the year. It also plays host to a number of music festivals including SummerFest.
The State Theatre is a classic community theater that has been entertaining the area since 1934. It showcases local actors, directors, and playwrights. This is one of the best places in Modesto to see a play! It also offers a variety of other events, including dance recitals and musical performances.
| Weather | 20°C, Wind N at 13 km/h |
| Population | 2.19 lakhs (2021) |
| Elevation | 27 m |
| ZIP codes | 95350–95358, 95397 |
| Area code | 209 |
FAQs about Live In Bay Area
What it’s like living in the Bay Area?
Living in the Bay Area is a unique experience, filled with vibrant cultural diversity, stunning natural landscapes, and a fast-paced lifestyle. However, it is also marked by high cost of living, heavy traffic, and limited housing options. Despite these challenges, the area remains a hub of innovation, creativity, and opportunity.
What are the advantages of living in the Bay Area?
The Bay Area offers a dynamic economy with a plethora of job opportunities, world-class universities, a vibrant tech scene, excellent weather year-round, diverse cultural experiences, a thriving food scene, access to nature, and a progressive community. It is also home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and tourist attractions, making it a popular destination for visitors.
