How Far the Median Income Goes in California’s Largest Cities

Known for its great year-round weather, beautiful beaches, diverse landscapes, tech hubs and of course Hollywood, California is full of opportunities, fun and beauty. But it’s not cheap.

It’s one of the most expensive states to live in the U.S. and while California’s median income of $95,521, per the United States Census Bureau, sounds good on paper, after rent, utilities, food, transportation and daily expenses, there’s not much left, if anything. 

So how far does the median income go? From San Francisco to San Diego, we take a closer look at how much life the median income can actually buy in California’s largest cities — and where your paycheck might stretch (or shrink) the most.

• Population: 3,857,897
• Annual cost of living: $102,000
• Median household income: $80,366
• What’s left: minus-$21,634

Los Angeles is the state’s biggest city, with a population of 3.9 million. Although there are plenty of great things about L.A., it’s challenging to build wealth or save money. The average home value is $1,046,122, the average monthly mortgage payment is $6,119 and the median income covers just 78.8% of the cost of living in L.A.

• Population: 1,385,061
• Annual cost of living: $108,751
• Median household income: $104,321
• What’s left: minus-$4,430

San Diego boasts striking coastal living and a cool laidback California vibe, but it’s pricey. With a population of 1.4 million, it’s the state’s second largest city, but most paychecks don’t cover all of the monthly expenses. The cost of living is so high that the median income covers just 95.9% of monthly expenses.

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• Population: 990,054
• Annual cost of living: $142,189
• Median household income: $141,565
• What’s left: minus-$624

San Jose is in the heart of Silicon Valley, where everything is expensive. The average mortgage is $9,373, and most people can afford that — the median income covers 99.6% of monthly expenses. 

• Population: 836,321
• Annual cost of living: $131,999
• Median household income: 141,446
• What’s left: $9,447

San Francisco is a lively city that offers a thriving food scene, rich culture, tech innovation and endless beauty. The Northern California city is known to be pricey. The average home value is $1.4 million, the average mortgage is $8,424 and people make enough to afford that — the median income covers 107.2% of monthly expenses. 

• Population: 543,615
• Annual cost of living: 53,000
• Median household income: $66,804
• What’s left: $13,804

Located within driving distance to major attractions such as Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Fresno is ideal for nature lovers on budgets. The population is 543,615, so it’s less crowded than other California cities and it’s more affordable. The average mortgage is $2,342, and the median income covers 126% of monthly expenses.

• Population: 524,802
• Annual cost of living: $61,595
• Median household income: $83,753
• What’s left: $22,158

Sacramento has a population of 524,802 and, as California’s state capital, the area has strong job opportunities working for the county or healthcare. Sacramento is just a couple hours away from Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe and San Francisco, so residents can enjoy the amenities of those places while living in a cheaper place. The average home value is $496,629, the average mortgage is $2,905 and median income covers 136% of monthly expenses. 

• Population: 458,491
• Annual cost of living: $93,366
• Median household income: $83,969
• What’s left: minus-$9,397

Long Beach is the state’s seventh-biggest city. It’s the ideal balance of coastal living with a laid-back Southern California charm, but it’s not easy on your wallet. The average home value is $932,620, which makes the average mortgage $5,455 and means the median income covers just 89.9% of monthly expenses.

• Population: 438,072
• Annual cost of living: $86,397
• Median household income: $97,369
• What’s next: $10,972

Many people who love the San Francisco area but don’t want to pay through the roof move to Oakland. The average home value is $828,968, the average mortgage is $4,849 and median income covers 112.7% of monthly expenses.

• Population: 408,336
• Annual cost of living: $53,051
• Median household income: $77,397
• What’s left: $24,346

Bakersfield is a practical place to live. It’s more cost effective than other California cities, is family friendly and is within driving distance of Los Angeles, the Central Coast, and Sequoia National Park. The average home value is $401,182, the average mortgage is $2,347 and median income covers 145.9% of monthly expenses. 

Methodology: Data is from the U.S. Census American Community Survey, Sperling’s BestPlaces, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, Zillow and the Federal Reserve Economic Data. All data was collected on and is up to date as of July 3, 2025.