10 Affordable Places to Live on the West Coast in 2024

The West Coast encompasses vast landscapes from the Mojave Desert, blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, and snowy mountain ranges like the Sierra Nevada, the Cascade Range, and the Olympic Mountains to the lush green farmlands, bustling cities, and sparkling lakes. There’s much to enjoy about living on the West Coast, whether that’s for the region’s mild climate, outdoor adventure, or access to iconic landmarks.

If you’re considering moving to one of the states on the West Coast – California, Oregon, or Washington – you may be wondering how much home prices are. The median home sale price is $756,800 in California, $491,900 in Oregon, and $588,000 in Washington. The average median home sale price across these three states is $612,233.

Redfin is here to help you find the right city to call home. We’ve collected 10 affordable places to live on the West Coast – and they all have a median home sale price of $612,233. Let’s see what cities made the list.

1. Fresno, CA

Median home price: $366,000
Average sale price per square foot: $243
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,302
Median household income: $63,001
Fresno, CA homes for sale
Fresno, CA apartments for rent

The first city to make our list of affordable places to live on the West Coast is Fresno, located in California’s Central Valley. Fresno is a vibrant city with a median home sale price of $366,000. While the city has a population of about 542,100, Fresno has more of a small-town feeling than it does a big city. There are plenty of things to explore in the city whether that’s visiting the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, walking through Woodward Park, exploring the Tower District, or picking up fresh, local produce from the Gibson Farm Market.

2. Spokane, WA

Median home price: $337,000
Average sale price per square foot: $192
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,340
Median household income: $63,316
Spokane, WA homes for sale
Spokane, WA apartments for rent

Heading to Washington, you’ll find the second city, Spokane. This Eastern Washington city has a median home sale price of $337,000 and a population of 217,300. Spokane is known for its beautiful landscapes, such as Spokane Falls, and outdoor recreational activities at Riverside State Park. The city is a great place for those who want to live in a mid-sized city and have access to nature.

3. Stockton, CA

Median home price: $425,000
Average sale price per square foot: $272
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,300
Median household income: $71,612
Stockton, CA homes for sale
Stockton, CA apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $425,000, Stockton is the next affordable place to live on the West Coast. Home to 320,800 residents, the city has a rich history and diverse culture. Stockton is located in the northern part of California’s Central Valley. There are numerous attractions to explore in Stockton. Whether you’re interested in immersing yourself in nature at the Stockton Delta, exploring the historic Bob Hope Theatre, or sampling delicious cuisine at the Downtown Stockton Farmers’ Market, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city.

4. Modesto, CA

Median home price: $430,000
Average sale price per square foot: $287
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,442
Median household income: $73,375
Modesto, CA homes for sale
Modesto, CA apartments for rent

Another Central Valley city is Modesto, about 35 minutes south of Stockton. With a median home sale price of $430,000, Modesto is a great affordable option to consider. In Modesto, there’s an array of activities to explore. Whether you’re a fan of classic cars and American Graffiti history at the McHenry Museum, seeking outdoor recreation in the Tuolumne River Regional Park, enjoying live music and entertainment at the Gallo Center for the Arts, or indulging in the local flavors at the Modesto Certified Farmers Market, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this dynamic city.

5. Tacoma, WA

Median home price: $440,000
Average sale price per square foot: $303
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,512
Median household income: $79,085
Tacoma, WA homes for sale
Tacoma, WA apartments for rent

Taking the fifth spot on our list of affordable places to live on the West Coast is Tacoma. Located in Washington, about a 45-minute drive from Seattle, Tacoma has a lot to offer its 213,400 residents. With a median home sale price of $440,000, outdoor activities like Point Defiance Park and Dash Point State Park, waterfront views, museums and entertainment like the Tacoma Art Museum and the Tacoma Dome, and the charming downtown, there are plenty of things to do in Tacoma.

6. San Bernardino, CA

Median home price: $460,000
Average sale price per square foot: $344
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,532
Median household income: $61,323
San Bernardino, CA homes for sale
San Bernardino, CA apartments for rent

In Southern California you’ll find San Bernardino. The city has a median home sale price of $460,000 and about 222,100 residents. Whether you’re interested in exploring the rich history of the region at the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum, exploring the nearby San Bernardino National Forest with its hiking trails and scenic vistas, or experiencing the vibrant local culture and cuisine at the downtown San Bernardino Farmers’ Market, there is plenty to do in San Bernardino.

7. Sacramento, CA

Median home price: $466,500
Average sale price per square foot: $319
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,847
Median household income: $78,954
Sacramento, CA homes for sale
Sacramento, CA apartments for rent

The capital of California, Sacramento, is the seventh city on our list. Sacramento is home to about 524,900 residents and a median home sale price of $466,500. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene and rich historical background, so there’s an abundance of attractions and activities to enjoy. You can explore the rich history of the California State Capitol Museum, take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque McKinley Park Rose Garden, experience the vibrant arts scene in the Midtown and Downtown districts, or savor the farm-to-fork culinary delights at the bustling Sacramento Farmers’ Market.

8. Portland, OR

Median home price: $490,000
Average sale price per square foot: $313
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,497
Median household income: $85,876
Portland, OR homes for sale
Portland, OR apartments for rent

Heading up to Oregon is our next city, none other than Portland. With a median home sale price of $490,000, the “City of Roses” has a vibrant food scene, outdoor recreational activities, bustling nightlife, and quirky local shops. Whether you’re grabbing a Voodoo Doughnut, exploring the books at Powell’s City of Books, seeing the White Stag sign, checking out the Hawthorne neighborhood, or finding a new hidden gem, there’s no shortage of activities in Portland.

9. Moreno Valley, CA

Median home price: $517,000
Average sale price per square foot: $302
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,880
Median household income: $82,637
Moreno Valley, CA homes for sale
Moreno Valley, CA apartments for rent

Located in Southern California is Moreno Valley. This city has a median home sale price of $517,000 and a population of 208,600. In Moreno Valley, there are numerous attractions, such as exploring Box Springs Mountain Reserve with its hiking trails and panoramic views or browsing through the diverse selection of shops and restaurants at the Moreno Valley Mall.

10. Riverside, CA

Median home price: $610,000
Average sale price per square foot: $392
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,982
Median household income: $83,448
Riverside, CA homes for sale
Riverside, CA apartments for rent

The final city to make our list of affordable places to live on the West Coast is Riverside. Another Southern California city, the median home sale price is $610,000 and about 314,900 residents call the area home. Riverside has plenty to explore whether you’re immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the California Citrus State Historic Park, enjoying a scenic walk along the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, or sampling delicious cuisine at the vibrant Riverside Downtown Farmers Market, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this picturesque city.

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