From Porterville to Eureka: California’s cheapest cities to buy a house

California, renowned for its high cost of living, surprisingly has several cities where homebuyers can find more affordable options. A report by Houzeo, cited by the New York Post, analyzed hundreds of cities across the state considering factors such as median home prices, median rent, and overall cost of living. Here are the five cheapest cities in California to buy a house, as identified by the report:

1. Porterville: Leading the pack with an average home price of $325,000, Porterville offers a median rent of $1,358. The city, a major economic hub in the Southern Sierra foothills, is 12 percent less expensive than the state average. Its economy is primarily driven by agriculture, healthcare, and education.

2. Fresno: Coming in second with an average home price of $388,567 and median rent at $1,975, Fresno is located near Woodward Park and Roeding Park. The city's job market is fueled by tech, agriculture, and healthcare, with major employers like Apple and Kaiser Permanente.

3. Bakersfield: In third place, Bakersfield's average home price is $441,009, with a median rent of $1,995. The city's Seven Oaks and Stockdale Estates areas offer upscale housing, golf courses, and large lots. Major employers include Chevron and Grimmway Farms.

4. Tulare: Ranked fourth, Tulare boasts average home prices of $458,693 and a median rent of $1,650. The city, located in the Central Valley, has a small-town atmosphere and hosts the World Ag Expo each February. Alpine Vista and Del Lago offer quieter residential options.

5. Eureka: Rounding out the top five, Eureka's average home price is $418,081, with median rent at $1,600. Known for its proximity to King Salmon Beach and the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area, Eureka's major employers include St. Joseph hospital and Humboldt County.