Trying to Save Up? Don't Live in One of California's Major Cities
Some of California’s biggest cities have been ranked among the worst places to live while trying to save up money.
GOBankingRates ranked the U.S.’s 60 largest cities based on sales tax, home prices, rent, income, unemployment rate, gas prices, and grocery costs to determine how much one can save while living there. Their conclusion? San Francisco, Sacramento, Santa Ana, San Diego, Long Beach, Bakersfield, San Jose, Fresno, Anaheim, Oakland, and Los Angeles all made it to top worst cities for saving cash.
Bay Area cities San Jose, Oakland, and San Francisco ranked worst of the worst on the savings scale. With a population of 1,026,000 and average monthly rent going for $3,400, San Jose is considered the eighth worst place to live while trying to save money, but the best place to score a dream job (Thanks, Silicon Valley!).
The median home listing price in Oakland is just under $600,000. However, the average income is barely $55,000. This combination landed the Bay Area city at number three on the list.
As for the number one worst place to live while trying to stow away cash, you probably already guessed it would be San Francisco. SF earned the spot for its high gas prices, median monthly rent ($4,500), and high cost of groceries.
There are plenty of good reasons to call California (people are happy!) and specifically the Bay Area (it’s great for millennials!) home. Just know that you’re going to have to try a little bit harder to build up that bank account if you do.