Retirement Retired Life

9 Places To Retire That Feel Just Like California - But Way Cheaper

Find the retirement dream you're looking for.

By Sarah Sharkey , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Oct. 3, 2026

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As you build out a retirement plan, where you decide to spend your golden years will have a major impact on your costs. For some, retirement in California is the dream. But with sky-high living costs, the California dream is out of reach for many retirees. Luckily, there are plenty of other places that offer all of the allure of California without Golden State prices.

Explore some potential places to retire that feel like California but might actually fit in your budget.

Editor's note: All housing data comes from Zillow, unless otherwise stated.

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Yuma, Arizona

Average home price: $295,611

Minimum annual income to live comfortably as a single person: $35,200

Yuma is tucked into the Sonoran Desert. The high desert living might remind you of California's desert towns, like Palm Springs. Of course, the heat is a serious issue. But for many retirees, it's not a problem to plan their days around the intense heat. For example, you might hike or golf in the early morning to avoid the midday temperatures.

Unlike California, it's possible to enjoy a nice life here on less than $40,000 per year. Beyond the lower costs, most Arizona residents enjoy lower tax rates than those they would face in California.

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Tucson, Arizona

Average home price: $321,918

Minimum annual income to live comfortably as a single person: $36,400

Retirees looking for a larger city might find exactly what they're looking for in Tucson. At only 60 miles from the Mexican border and home to the University of Arizona, the town boasts a growing art and cultural scene. Residents will need to plan around the heat. But there are a lot of hiking opportunities to enjoy in the area.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Average home price: $419,144

Minimum annual income to live comfortably as a single person: $51,200

Nevada doesn't have a state income tax, which could make a positive impact on your retirement budget. It's not a secret that Las Vegas offers almost limitless entertainment options. Whether you like visiting the casinos or seeing a show, there's always something to do in this town. Situated in the Mojave Desert, the area's mild winters might make it easy to enjoy living here.

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Reno, Nevada

Average home price: $573,360

Minimum annual income to live comfortably as a single person: $53,200

If you're looking for a mountain city in a state with no income tax, Reno could be a good fit. Of course, the lack of state income tax can help you stretch out your savings. But the city also boasts easy access to the great outdoors. As a bonus, Reno's downtown is growing, with many new trendy restaurants and a thriving art scene.

Corpus Christi, Texas

Average home price: $223,078

Minimum annual income to live comfortably as a single person: $43,600

Corpus Christi offers coastal living on a budget. Although the waves might look a little different here, many people enjoy surfing in the Gulf. That's particularly true around Padre Island National Seashore.

Of course, you might notice that the humidity here is a bit more intense than what you'll find in California. But, overall, the warm climate might suit your needs. That's especially true when you factor in the state's lack of an income tax.

Bend, Oregon

Average home price: $729,189

Minimum annual income to live comfortably as a single person: $49,200

Bend sits in the middle of Oregon, not too far from California. It's known for intense outdoor beauty and a growing cultural scene. If you land here, you might quickly find plenty of other transplants from California seeking a more affordable place to call home. Since it's further north, Bend tends to have more intense seasons than most of California. But the relatively affordable price point might help you stay warm all winter.

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Astoria, Oregon

Average home price: $481,663

Minimum annual income to live comfortably as a single person: $48,000

You'll find Astoria on the Oregon coast, which is known for lots of natural beauty. Living here gives you easy access to coastal activities, like boating, fishing, and long walks on amazing beaches. The small downtown offers several local eateries and even a few breweries to try. As a relatively affordable beachside town, many can find a lot to like about living in Astoria.

Spokane, Washington

Average home price: $396,121

Minimum annual income to live comfortably as a single person: $37,200

Washington residents don't have to pay state income taxes. For retirees, this can make a major difference to their retirement plans. In addition to a low tax burden, Spokane boasts a relatively low cost of living.

In the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, it's easy to find hiking and biking opportunities near Spokane. Unlike many cities on this list, Spokane has relatively harsh winters, offering a full four-season experience. With lots of museums, theaters, and a growing arts scene, you might feel right at home here.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Average home price: $581,279

Minimum annual income to live comfortably as a single person: $44,800

Santa Fe sits near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, giving residents great views and easy access to the outdoors. In the winter, you'll find skiing down the road and hiking in the summer. This state capital draws in tourists every year, many come to partake in the thriving food scene. With lots of art festivals and live music year-round, you'll never run out of events to enjoy in retirement.

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Bottom line

If you're not able to afford retirement in California, you aren't alone. The good news is that choosing a different place to spend your golden years could stretch out your nest egg.

Before committing to a home purchase in a new town, consider spending weeks or months exploring the place. After all, one of the biggest financial mistakes you can make in retirement is buying a house in a place you don't want to live in for the long term.

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