Living in California

#33 in population growth

Should you move to California?

California, aptly named the Golden State, is a place of dreams, diversity, and dynamism. With its stunning Pacific coastline, towering redwood forests, verdant wine country, and stark desert landscapes, the natural beauty of California is as varied as it is awe-inspiring.

Economically, if California were a country, it would rank among the largest economies in the world. Known as the birthplace of the tech industry, Silicon Valley remains a global hub for innovation, housing tech giants like Apple, Google, and Facebook. Southern California, particularly Los Angeles, is renowned as the entertainment capital of the world, thanks to Hollywood, major television networks, and music production.

However, California isn’t just Silicon Valley and Hollywood. The state has a thriving agricultural sector in the Central Valley, which produces over a third of the country’s vegetables and two-thirds of its fruits and nuts. California is also a leader in clean energy and has been at the forefront of environmental initiatives.

Living in California offers a lifestyle as diverse as its topography. From the glamour of Los Angeles, the innovation and tech buzz of San Francisco, the art and culture scene in Oakland and Berkeley, to the historical charm of Sacramento, there is a city to match almost any lifestyle.

Residents can enjoy the state’s natural beauty through countless outdoor activities. From surfing on the stunning beaches, hiking in the magnificent parks, skiing in the Sierras, or just enjoying the diverse flora and fauna, there’s always a new outdoor experience waiting.

Education is top-notch in the Golden State, with prestigious universities like Stanford, Caltech, and the University of California system.

California is a place of endless opportunities, cultural richness, and natural splendor. The cost of living can be high, particularly in major metropolitan areas, but many find the sunshine, cultural richness, and California lifestyle to be worth the price.

#1 in population

Population

39,029,342

National Avg 6,652,315

#40 in population

Population Per Square Mile

254

National Avg 206.5 persons/square mile

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How Does California Score?

F
Home Affordability
F
Cost of Living
A
Diversity

LEARN ABOUT
RANKINGS & DATA

Metropolitans

Living in California

Climate

How Does California Compare?

#5
in Sunny Days
#40
in Annual Rainfall
#2
in Daytime Humidity

Healthcare

#14

How Does California Compare?

#14
in Healthcare
#13
in Available Beds
#20
in Doctors Per Resident

11

Children's Hospitals

11

VA Medical Centers

63

VA Clinics

California Marijuana Laws

Cost of Living

#48

How Does California Compare?

#48
in Cost of Living
#4
in Minimum Hourly Wage
#47
in Living Wage

California State Taxes

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Essential New Mover Steps

What costs and challenges will you face when relocating to California? Start your journey by preparing with these key steps.

eMortgage connects you with up to 5 competing mortgage lenders through a quick, streamlined process.

Renter tested. Landlord approved. Starting from $5/mo.

Moving costs can add up quickly. Start budgeting by tackling one of your largest costs first by requesting a free online quote from 1-800-Pack-Rat.

Education in California

#28

California School Districts

8th Grade Proficiency (2022)

Ranked #34 in Mathematics

Basic Proficiency

56%

Proficient or Above

23%

Ranked #23 in Reading

Basic Proficiency

67%

Proficient or Above

30%

Education Attainment

High School Degree
84.2%
Bachelors Degree
35.3%

Raising a Family?

See if any of these family-friendly places are a fit for yours.

Places (Cities & Towns)

Get to Know California

State Capital

Sacramento

Area Codes

209, 213, 279, 310, 323, 341, 408, 415, 424, 442, 510, 530, 559, 562, 619, 626, 628, 650, 657, 661, 669, 707, 714, 747, 760, 764, 805, 818, 820, 831, 840, 858, 909, 916, 925, 935, 949, 951

Time Zone

Pacific Time Zone

Number of Counties

58

Land Area (square miles)

155,858

Motto

Eureka (I have found it)

State Bird

California Valley Quail

Housing

#49
#49 in home affordability

Median Home Value

$684,800

National $440,300

#49 in rent affordability

Median Rent

$1,698

National $1,702

Average Homeownership cost

$664

Taxes, Insurance, Utilities, HOA (no mortgage)

Total Households

13,217,586

Persons Per Household

2.92

Rent vs Own

Own 55.5%
Rent 44.5%

Economy

#5 in household income

Median Household Income

84,097

National $70,784

#24 in labor participation
% in Labor Force
63.4%
Poverty Rate
12.3%

Industries by Revenue

in $1,000s

Health & Social Assistance Revenue

$311,312,156

Accomodations & Food Revenue

$133,716,870

Transportation & Warehousing Revenue

$99,160,737

Per Capita Retail Sales

15,122

Counties

Diversity

#2
White alone
71.1%
Black or African American alone
6.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
1.7%
Asian alone
15.9%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
0.5%
Two or More Races
4.2%
Hispanic or Latino
40.2%
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino
35.2%

Foreign Born Persons

26.5%

Veterans

1467026

Persons Under 5 years
5.7%
Persons Under 18 years
22.4%
Persons 65 years and over
15.2%

Is Diversity essential?

Find culture and diversity in the Most Diverse Places in the US.

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