Moving to California: The Pros & Cons of Living in the Golden State

Looking to move to California? You’re not alone – in 2022, nearly half a million people made the move to the west coast.

Of all the states in the U.S., California is one of the most famous worldwide, thanks to its famous landmarks such as the Hollywood sign, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Santa Monica pier, as well as its rich (literally) history and beautiful landscapes. It’s no wonder so many people want to call it home.

If you’re looking to make a move to the Golden State, here’s a guide to relocating to California to help you decide if it’s where you want to plant your roots:

1. Entertainment and Recreation

California is packed with ways to have fun, unwind, and explore.

• Home to Hollywood, a global hub of the film and television industry.

• Hosts major music festivals such as:

  • Coachella

  • Outside Lands

• Professional sports teams include:

  • NBA: Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings

  • MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres

  • NFL: San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers

• Outdoor activities for every lifestyle:

  • Surfing in Malibu

  • Skiing in Lake Tahoe

  • Hiking in Yosemite National Park

  • Rock climbing in Joshua Tree

  • Biking in Santa Monica or Marin County

2. Tourism

California is one of the top travel destinations in the U.S., and living there puts world-famous sites in your backyard.

• Iconic attractions include:

  • Disneyland in Anaheim

  • Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

  • Napa Valley wine country

  • Big Sur scenic coastline

  • San Diego Zoo

  • Death Valley National Park

• Residents sometimes enjoy reduced admission rates at some attractions.

• Want to live in a less-touristy area? Opt out from cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where tourist traffic is heavy, especially in summer.

3. Cost of Living

Cost of living is the most important thing to evaluate moving anywhere, but especially if you’re considering California as an option. It’s one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S., and Unbiased.com has a breakdown of several metrics that contribute.

Yearly cost of living: $53,082

Average cost of a home: $786,180

Average cost of utilities: 437.92

Average cost of groceries: $289

4. Driving and Commutes

Driving is a key part of daily life in much of California.

• Car culture dominates, especially in major metro areas

• Traffic congestion is common, particularly in:

  • Los Angeles

  • San Francisco Bay Area

  • Orange County

• Public transit options vary:

  • BART and Muni in the Bay Area

  • Metro in Los Angeles

  • Local bus systems

5. Weather

California offers one of the most geographically and climatically diverse experiences in the U.S.

• Common climates:

  • Mediterranean: Coastal areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco

  • Desert: Inland areas like Palm Springs and the Mojave

  • Mountain: Sierra Nevada region with snowfall and alpine air

• Seasonal highlights:

  • Mild winters near the coast

  • Hot, dry summers inland

  • Snow in higher elevations

• Natural hazards to watch for:

  • Wildfires (especially late summer/fall)

  • Droughts

  • Occasional earthquakes

6. Population and Demographics

California is big and incredibly diverse; Los Angeles is the second largest city in the country, with a population of more than 39 million people

Largest Californian cities (by population):

• Los Angeles

• San Diego

• San Jose

• San Francisco

• Fresno

Ethnic and cultural diversity:

• Large Latino, Asian, and Black communities

• Multilingual neighborhoods (Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, and more)

• Diverse food, festivals, and cultural landmarks

7. The State’s Housing Market

Housing is one of the biggest considerations when moving to California.

• High housing costs in major metro areas:

  • San Francisco Bay Area

  • Los Angeles

  • San Diego

• More affordable regions include:

  • Fresno, Modesto

  • Riverside, San Bernardino

• Common housing trends:

  • Competitive rental markets

  • Many people share housing or commute longer distances

  • High demand means fast-moving listings

• First-time buyers should prepare for:

  • Higher down payments

  • Strict lending standards

  • Limited inventory

8. Education and Jobs

California ranks 29th in education and 2nd in employment, according to a study by Oxfam.

• Top universities:

  • University of California (UC) system (e.g., Berkeley, UCLA)

  • California State University (CSU) system

  • Elite private institutions like Stanford and Caltech

• Key industries and job hubs:

  • Tech: Silicon Valley, San Francisco

  • Entertainment: Los Angeles

  • Agriculture: Central Valley

  • Tourism and hospitality: Coastal regions

  • Green energy and aerospace: Southern California

• Job seekers benefit from:

  • Strong startup ecosystem

  • High demand for engineers, healthcare workers, creatives, and tradespeople

  • Competitive job markets in urban areas

9. Fun Facts About California

A few quirky and impressive things that make California unique:

• Home to:

  • Tallest trees: Coastal Redwoods

  • Oldest trees: Bristlecone Pines

  • Largest trees: Giant Sequoias

• Famous California inventions and brands:

  • In-N-Out Burger

  • Apple Inc.

  • Disney

  • The internet (ARPANET began here in 1969 at UCLA)

• State motto:

  Eureka! — Greek for “I have found it,” in reference to both the ancient Greek scientist Archimedes and the Gold Rush from the 1800s.

If California is on your list of potential places to move, it’s worth doing your homework before you make the call. There are lots of benefits: a strong economy, varying weather, and a diverse culture, but also drawbacks: high cost of living, an extremely competitive job market, and

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Other Resources

10 Best Places to Retire in California

10 Safest Large Cities in California

10 Most Affordable Cities in California

10 Best Places to Live in California

How to Buy a New Home in California

How to Build a House in California

First-Time Homebuyer Programs in California

Guide to Closing Costs in California