The Most Affordable Places to Live on the West Coast
I was born and raised in California, one of the most expensive states to live in the United States. I’ve lived in major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, and I’ve also lived in smaller towns in the Sierras and the Central Valley. In my experience, the cost of living varies drastically depending on where you choose to live in California. So if you’re looking for an affordable place to live on the West Coast, you’ll want to do your research. Here are a few of the most affordable places to live on the West Coast:
One of the most affordable places to live on the West Coast is Boise, Idaho. The cost of living in Boise is about 10% below the national average, and the median home price is around $250,000. Boise is a great place to live for people who enjoy the outdoors, as there are plenty of hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities in the area. The city also has a strong economy, with a number of large employers in the healthcare, technology, and manufacturing sectors.
Renting in Boise
If you’re looking to rent in Boise, you can expect to pay around $1,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Two-bedroom apartments typically rent for around $1,500 per month, and three-bedroom apartments rent for around $1,800 per month. Utilities are relatively affordable in Boise, with the average monthly cost of electricity, gas, and water being around $100.
Another affordable place to live on the West Coast is Salt Lake City, Utah. The cost of living in Salt Lake City is about 5% below the national average, and the median home price is around $275,000. Salt Lake City is a great place to live for people who enjoy the outdoors, as there are plenty of hiking, biking, and skiing opportunities in the area. The city also has a strong economy, with a number of large employers in the financial, technology, and healthcare sectors.
Renting in Salt Lake City
If you’re looking to rent in Salt Lake City, you can expect to pay around $1,100 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Two-bedroom apartments typically rent for around $1,400 per month, and three-bedroom apartments rent for around $1,700 per month. Utilities are relatively affordable in Salt Lake City, with the average monthly cost of electricity, gas, and water being around $100.
If you’re looking for an affordable place to live on the West Coast, there are a number of great options to choose from. Boise, Idaho and Salt Lake City, Utah are both great places to live with relatively low costs of living and strong economies. If you’re willing to do some research, you can find a great place to live on the West Coast that fits your budget.
Tips for Finding Affordable Housing on the West Coast
Here are a few tips for finding affordable housing on the West Coast:
- Be flexible with your location. The cost of living can vary significantly from one city to the next, even within the same state. If you’re willing to live in a less popular area, you’re likely to find more affordable housing options.
- Consider renting instead of buying. Renting is often a more affordable option than buying, especially in expensive areas like the West Coast. If you’re not ready to commit to buying a home, renting is a great way to save money on housing costs.
- Look for roommates. Sharing a home with roommates is a great way to reduce your housing costs. If you’re single, consider renting a room in a shared house or apartment.
- Take advantage of government programs. There are a number of government programs that can help you save money on housing costs. For example, the Section 8 program provides rental assistance to low-income families.
FAQs About Affordable Housing on the West Coast
Q: What are the most affordable cities to live in on the West Coast?
A: Some of the most affordable cities to live in on the West Coast include Boise, Idaho; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Spokane, Washington.
Q: What are some tips for finding affordable housing on the West Coast?
A: Some tips for finding affordable housing on the West Coast include being flexible with your location, considering renting instead of buying, looking for roommates, and taking advantage of government programs.
Q: Are there any government programs that can help me save money on housing costs?
A: Yes, there are a number of government programs that can help you save money on housing costs. For example, the Section 8 program provides rental assistance to low-income families.
If you’re looking for an affordable place to live on the West Coast, there are a number of great options to choose from. Boise, Idaho and Salt Lake City, Utah are both great places to live with relatively low costs of living and strong economies. If you’re willing to do some research, you can find a great place to live on the West Coast that fits your budget. Are you interested in this topic? Let me know in the comments below.
