Relocation Guide
Moving to California
Everything you need to buy FSBO and relocate to California without paying a buyer's agent commission.
$680,000
Median Home Price
151
Cost of Living Index
Very High
vs. National Average
Yes
State Income Tax
Cost of Relocating to California
The median home price in California is $680,000. That's well above the roughly $330,300 median across the states in this guide. Its cost of living index is 151 — very high. California does levy a state income tax, so it's worth running your actual take-home pay before comparing offers against a no-tax state.
Climate
Diverse — Mediterranean coast, dry Central Valley, alpine Sierra Nevada
Why People Move to California
California has the largest economy of any U.S. state, but also the highest cost of living.
Popular Cities
- San Diego
- Sacramento
- Fresno
FSBO Tips for California
- Search owner-listed homes on Zillow, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace — many FSBO sellers skip the MLS entirely.
- Hire a real estate attorney or title company in California to handle the purchase contract and closing documents.
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage before making offers. Sellers prefer buyers who can close quickly.
- Request a home inspection even when buying directly from an owner — it is your main protection against undisclosed defects.
Buying Long-Distance
Relocating means you're often making an offer, and sometimes closing, before you've set foot in the state. A local title company or closing attorney can handle a remote or mail-away closing — documents get notarized wherever you are and shipped back, so you don't need to fly in for signing day. If timing is tight, a power of attorney lets someone local sign on your behalf for the final closing. Whatever you do, don't waive the inspection to compete on speed just because you're buying from out of state — that's exactly when an in-person, unbiased set of eyes on the property matters most.