One Of The Best Places To Retire In California Is Surprisingly Affordable

California might not come to mind when you think about affordability. The Golden State is consistently named as one of the most expensive states, and per the U.S. News & World Report, it has the highest cost of living in the country. A hidden treasure exists for retirees, though, in the charming river landing town of Red Bluff, population 14,172. Founded in 1852 and named after stunning, crimson-colored bluffs nearby, the town rests alongside the winding, 400-mile Sacramento River and the Lassen Volcanic National Park. The town offers plenty of recreational activities and is surprisingly affordable. 

The Economic Research Institute ranked California's 449 cities, with the first on the list being the most expensive, and Red Bluff came in at number 442 in terms of living costs. This locale is 31% more affordable than other California jurisdictions and 3% more affordable than the average United States city. Using October 2025 data, Zillow listed the average Red Bluff home value at $304,609, while nationally, the average value came in at $360,727. Renting, according to BestPlaces, costs an average of $800 for a studio apartment; $860 for a one-bedroom space; and $1,130 for two bedrooms. Grocery prices are 1.5% less expensive than the United States average. 

However, utilities are more expensive in Red Bluff (12.1% above the national average), as are miscellaneous costs like clothing, restaurants, repairs, and entertainment (9.7% higher). California isn't the place to move if you're looking for a state with no sales tax; it has a statewide tax rate of 7.25%, which is the highest in the nation, according to Tax Foundation. Plus, it's a state with some of highest gas prices. On November 26, 2025, the AAA Fuel Prices tracker shows a national average of $3.042 per gallon, while California's is $4.578 per gallon.

As a retiree moving to Red Bluff, you will find a number of fun activities to keep you busy. You can hike and bike on paths located along the Sacramento River and in the Lassen Volcanic National Park. Likewise, consider visiting the donation-only Sacramento River Discovery Center, with its river trails, insights into sustainable gardening, and interactive nature displays. When taking a break from the great outdoors, stroll through the historic downtown to enjoy quaint shops and local restaurants. 

The town is also home to one of the country's top 30 professional rodeos. At the Red Bluff Round-Up, people annually cheer on bulls, barrel races, and steer wrestling while also enjoying parades, live music, and food. Tickets for 2026 cost between $27.55 and $54.75. The William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park is located along river pathways once busily trod by Gold Rush miners and travelers crossing the river by ferry. Nowadays, you can tour the visitor's center and old adobe home, watching demonstrations of the skills of yesteryear, including in the blacksmith shop. As of November 2025, the entrance cost is $5 per vehicle for seniors over 62 years of age.