Stockton, California

Stockton has a very diverse community with a vibrant cultural and arts scene. It’s also located near some of the biggest wonders in America, such as Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe, which makes it even more attractive to live for all hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. Besides, Stockton is located right in the middle of California, which allows easy access to some of the biggest and most popular destinations within the state.

Even if it’s more budget-friendly than Los Angeles, renting a one-bedroom condo here might set you back $2,000 a month. The cost of living index is pretty high, at 115.6, and the livability score is 52 out of 100, which means that there could be a couple of setbacks you might have to overcome.

Even so, for those of you who might want to navigate the high cost of living, the city comes with a unique blend of urban energy combined with a laid-back charm that’s so difficult to resist.