Things to Know About California Before Moving – Essential Insights for Relocators

Moving to California is a journey that promises diverse experiences — from the sun-kissed beaches of the coastline to the innovation hub of Silicon Valley. Whether you’re drawn by economic opportunity, cultural variety, or unique natural landscapes, understanding what the Golden State offers — and what it demands — can help you make a well-informed decision.

Housing and living costs in California vary dramatically, and it’s crucial to assess your financial readiness. Equally important is grasping the state’s economic landscape — whether that means securing employment in one of California’s many booming industries or understanding its role as a global economic powerhouse.

Yet there’s more than just economics. The lifestyle and culture in California are as varied as its geography — from busy city life to relaxed coastal towns. Climate and environment shift dramatically across the state too; you could experience dry desert heat, cool Pacific air, or crisp mountain ranges.

Meanwhile, understanding California’s demographics helps paint a picture of the rich cultural mosaic you’ll join. This guide breaks down key areas to consider, with actionable insights so you’re better prepared for this move.

Key Takeaways

• California offers diverse job markets and economic opportunities across its vast geography.
• Varying climates and environments across the state cater to different lifestyles and preferences.
• California’s cultural diversity and demographic mix contribute to a unique living experience.

Economic Outlook and Employment Opportunities

California’s economy remains substantial — its gross state product (GSP) is estimated at about $4.04 trillion making it the largest economy among U.S. states and one of the largest in the world. Wikipedia+2Bureau of Labor Statistics+2 The job market still offers strong opportunities, though growth has moderated. For example, California added 284,400 non-farm jobs from July 2023 to July 2024. Employment Development Department

Key sectors include:

• Technology & Innovation – The Silicon Valley and broader Bay Area remain global hubs for tech.
• Entertainment & Media – Los Angeles continues to anchor film, TV, streaming content creation.
• Agriculture, Services & Finance – California also leads in agriculture, health services, finance and many service-industry jobs.

If you’re considering relocation, ensure your skillset aligns with the region you move to (for example, tech in Bay Area vs agriculture/retail in other parts). Be realistic: some regions (e.g., major metro areas) have very high competition and higher expectations for earnings and cost-of-living.

Cost of Living and Financial Planning

One of the most critical areas to plan for is cost of living. California is significantly more expensive than many other U.S. states. Salary.com+1

• According to recent data, cost of living for a single person in California is about 42% higher than the U.S. national average. Salary.com+1
• Housing costs are a major driver of that premium. For example, housing in California is reported as nearly 97% higher than national average according to one measure. Salary.com

What this means for you:

• If relocating, budget conservatively. What looks like a “good salary” elsewhere may feel tight here.
• Consider region within California: costs vary dramatically between, say, San Francisco vs inland areas.
• Factor in not just rent/mortgage, but utilities, transportation, taxes, and other living expenses.

Housing and Accommodation

Housing is a major cost driver in California.

Property Prices & Renting

• Median home and monthly costs have increased significantly. lao.ca.gov+1
• Renting remains expensive, especially in major metro areas.
• Market competition is intense — prospective renters and buyers may have to act quickly and plan ahead.

Utilities & Property Taxes

• Utilities tend to be higher than average due to climate (air-conditioning), geography and infrastructure. oysterlink.com
• Property tax rates may be moderate relative to value, but high home values mean taxes can still be substantial in dollar terms.

Takeaway: Choose your region wisely and plan your housing budget carefully — what is affordable in one city may be unaffordable in another.

Lifestyle and Culture

California offers a rich and varied lifestyle.

Food & Cuisine

• Abundant fresh produce, farmers’ markets, fusion cuisine are hallmarks.
• Regional specialties abound — e.g., coastal seafood, Central Valley agriculture.

Entertainment & Leisure

• From surf beaches to mountain hiking, outdoor lifestyle is embedded in Californian living.
• Urban centres like Los Angeles and San Francisco give you world-class culture, arts, museums and entertainment.

Transport & Mobility

• While public transit exists in many urban areas, owning a car remains typical — especially outside main metro hubs.
• Commutes and traffic may add cost (time and money) to your life.

Climate and Environment

California’s climate and geography are remarkably diverse.

Weather Patterns

• Coastal areas: moderate, often cooler; inland and desert zones: hot and dry.
• Northern regions may get more rain or snow (in mountain zones).
• Microclimates: significant variation occurs even within short distances (especially near coast/inland or mountain/valley transitions).

Natural Disaster Awareness

• Wildfire risk: many regions, especially those near forested or brush zones, face increasing wildfire danger.
• Earthquakes: California is earthquake-prone; understanding building codes, insurance, emergency plans is wise.

When relocating, evaluate the specific locality — not just “California” broadly — because risk profiles (e.g., wildfire, earthquake) differ dramatically region to region.

Geography and Demographics

Population & Diversity

• California is the most populous U.S. state (around 39+ million people). Wikipedia
• Highly diverse: large Hispanic/Latino and Asian communities, significant immigrant-population and a rich cultural mix.

Natural Attractions & Geography

• From beaches to mountains, deserts to vineyards, California’s geography supports varied lifestyles.
• Proximity to multiple environments means you can choose lifestyle and environment more flexibly — but with associated cost/supply trade-offs.

Conclusion

Moving to California involves thoughtful planning across multiple dimensions — from cost of living to culture, climate and workforce readiness. Before you make the move, here’s a quick recap