Your cost will depend almost entirely on you choose to settle. Here is a look at median home prices by county as of January 2026:
: If single-family homes are out of reach, Southern California condos saw a 6% price drop recently, with a median sale price of $656,000 —about 31% cheaper than a typical house.
: Rugged northern counties and the Central Valley remain the most accessible. Kern County : $398,220 Tulare County : $375,000 Lassen County : $255,000 Market Trends & Buying Tips
: Coastal and tech hubs continue to see the highest prices. San Mateo County : $2,000,000 Santa Clara County : $1,807,500 San Francisco : $1,653,320 Orange County : $1,410,000
: Keep an eye on the California Dream for All program, which has previously offered up to $150,000 in down payment assistance for first-time buyers through a lottery system. The "Proper Review": Is it worth it?
: Areas with a mix of urban and suburban vibes. Los Angeles County : $879,720 Riverside County : $639,440 Sacramento County : $540,000