One Of The Best Places To Live In California Has Gorgeous Lake Views And A Cost Of Living Below The State Average

There is a lot to love about living in California -– from the weather to the scenery to the historical landmarks, not to mention the endless list of things to do and eat. The Golden State is also known for being one of the most expensive places in live in the U.S., coming in at No. 3 on Forbes list for state's with the most expensive cost of living, at $53,171. In order to be considered upper class in California and be able to enjoy all that the state has to offer, your household needs to earn $192,668 or more each year.

With that said, there are cities in California where you can enjoy the state's beauty without breaking the bank. Chester, in particular, is one of the best hidden gems for low cost of living and incredible views. If you've never heard of it, don't worry, you aren't alone as it does not typically get lumped in with places like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego for major destinations. Still, Chester has charm to spare and you'll have plenty of disposable income to take it all in.

While California is one of the most expensive states to live in America, Chester offers a bit of financial wiggle room, especially for water sports enthusiasts, fishermen, and outdoor recreationalists who are looking to take advantage of all that the town has to offer. BestPlaces found that in 2025, a single person can afford to live in Chester for a little over $30,000 annually, or about $2,567 per month, which is 46.2% below the national cost of living average and 31.6% lower than the rest of California.

Also, for Golden State residents who feel despair at the prospect of homeownership, there is hope in Chester. Zillow data from June 2025 found that the average value of a home in Chester is $373,628, highlighting that this has increased 0.2% since 2024, and could likely further increase if word gets out about this small town's affordability.

World Population Review noted that Chester has a population of 2,300, as of 2025, which is up 10.3% since the 2020 census. The city is growing each year at a rate of 0.48%. Additionally, the poverty rate hovers just below 6% since most households in Chester tend to earn about $99,674 annually. California is also one of the states that has recently raised its minimum wage from $16 to $16.50 per hour, as of January 1, 2025. 

According to World Atlas, Chester is one of the best places to live in California in 2025. Nestled right on the shores of Lake Almanor, the city has excellent medical care offered at Seneca Healthcare District, which also provides many residents with jobs in the Chester area. While California is considered one of the worst states to retire in, places like Chester can offer an idyllic setting that everyone from working families to retirees can afford to live in comfortably.