Home Rentals California 10 Of The Most Expensive Cities in California

10 Of The Most Expensive Cities in California

by Josephine Hogan

Have you considered moving to the wonderful state of California? But maybe you aren’t completely set on where you want to settle down? With so many factors that go into picking the best spot for you to call home, it can be hard to narrow it down. One of those major contributors has to be the price to live in the city. There are many great places to live in the Golden State, but some of those cities can be quite expensive to live in. Today we’ve compiled a list of some of the most expensive cities in the state along with what you can expect to pay for things while you’re there.

1) Atherton

The city is 18 miles northwest of San Jose and is considered part of the San Francisco metropolitan area. Known for being one of the most expensive zip codes in the United States, Atherton is known for its wealth having the highest per capita income among U.S. towns with a population between 2,500 and 9,999.

Population: 7,168

Household Income: $250,000

House Cost: $7,070,900

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $5,241

Cost Of Living Index: 913.5 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)

2) Portola Valley

Located in San Mateo County, Portola Valley is situated on the San Francisco Peninsula. The town is one of the wealthiest in America. It’s home to many notable attractions, such as the Portola Valley School as well as the Alpine Inn.

Population: 4,592

Household Income: $224,554

House Cost: $4,370,300

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $4,758

Cost Of Living Index: 624.2 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)

3) Beverly Hills

This city is located in Los Angeles County and is home to many celebrities. Beverly Hills is adjacent to West Hollywood and Los Angeles. It is the home to the Rodeo Drive shopping district as well as the Golden Triangle that attracts visitors from around the world.

Population: 34,186

Household Income: $106,936

House Cost: $3,788,000

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $4,507

Cost Of Living Index: 546.2 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)

4) Los Altos

Located in Santa Clara County, the city of Los Altos sits in the San Francisco Bay Area. This affluent community sits on the edge of Silicon Valley. Due to city regulations, Los Altos is primarily a residential community with commercial zones limited to the downtown area.

Population: 30,504

Household Income: $250,000

House Cost: $3,694,500

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,419

Cost Of Living Index: 502.9 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)

5) Malibu

Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu is a beach city in Los Angeles County. It has historically been home to Hollywood celebrities where most residents live within a half-mile from the Pacific Coast Highway. The city is proclaimed to be “21 miles of scenic beauty” because of the 21-mile strip of the Malibu coast.

Population: 12,620

Household Income: $150,747

House Cost: $3,654,100

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $4,179

Cost Of Living Index: 483.9 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)

6) Palo Alto

Palo Alto is a charter city located in Santa Clara County in the San Francisco Bay Area. The city is one of the principal cities of the Silicon Valley, as headquarters to several high-tech companies, such as Tesla, Skype, and Hewlett-Packard (HP).

Population: 66,573

Household Income: $158,271

House Cost: $3,324,700

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,845

Cost Of Living Index: 471.0 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)

7) Ross

One of the smallest towns in Marin County, Ross is a suburb located only 18 miles north of San Francisco. Incorporated in 1908, the town gives a rural feel while still full of historical character. Ross is also home to the renowned Ross School and small commercial area.

Population: 2,290

Household Income: $224,500

House Cost: $3,622,600

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $4,508

Cost Of Living Index: 431.3 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)

8) Newport Beach

Located in Orange County, this coastal city is best known for its swimming and sandy beaches. It includes Newport Harbor which, today, is mostly used for recreation. The city is home to Pacific Life, a Fortune 500 company as well as many other companies that are based there. Housing prices in Newport Beach are considered some of the most expensive in the United States.

Population: 85,694

Household Income: $127,223

House Cost: $2,660,200

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,573

Cost Of Living Index: 353.3 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)

9) Santa Monica

This beachfront city is a part of Los Angeles County. Because of the climate and proximity to Los Angeles, the city has become a famed resort town. It was also one of the first cities in the nation to adopt a sustainability plan which put waste reduction and water conservation policies into place.

Population: 91,577

Household Income: $96,570

House Cost: $1,814,300

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,880

Cost Of Living Index: 304.5 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)

10) Santa Barbara

This coastal city in Santa Barbara County is located between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Not only is the city a popular tourist destination, but it also has a diverse economy and is home to four higher learning institutions.

Population: 91,376

Household Income: $74,624

House Cost: $1,390,400

Rent For 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,850

Cost Of Living Index: 223.4 (where the US is at 100 and California is 149.9)

To learn more about the cost of living in some of the more expensive cities in California, head on over here. But while you’re here, let us know in the comments what your favorite city in Arizona is. Be sure to let us know why.

And if you want a new place to live, or considering moving to The Golden State, find your next dream apartment here. While on your search for the best apartments, be sure to check out, some of the most affordable places to live in California.

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