Language 
No results found
Living in California as a foreigner: What is it really like?
Discover the pros and cons of living in California, one of the most important states in the United States. Keep reading to find out more!
California is known for being one of the most expensive states to live in the United States. If you’re considering living in California, it’s important to understand what the overall quality of life is like before choosing one of its cities.
In this article, you’ll get a detailed look at how to access healthcare as a foreigner, what the education system is like, typical salaries, and safety levels for both residents and immigrants.
We’ve also outlined some of the key pros and cons of living in California, so you can weigh the advantages and disadvantages this state offers to foreign residents.
Quality of life in California
Quality of life in California is supported by several strong indicators of social well-being for both residents and foreign nationals. Areas like education, healthcare, and overall connectivity stand out compared to other states.
Below, you will find detailed information on each of the most important factors that contribute to the quality of life in California.
Health
California’s healthcare system stands out from neighboring states largely because of Medi-Cal. This program has made it possible for people with limited income, regardless of their immigration status, to access free or affordable medical care.
However, starting in 2026, new administrative changes have been introduced that require beneficiaries to have their immigration status in order, along with a monthly premium of around $100 beginning in 2027.
Higher-income workers can take advantage of state-backed private health insurance and subsidies to help with unexpected medical costs. Despite this, healthcare in California remains costly and can be challenging to navigate.
When it comes to healthcare, California offers modern hospitals, skilled professionals for specialized treatments, and preventive programs that help improve residents’ overall quality of life.
Education
California’s education system is highly respected around the world, both in public and private institutions. The public sector is home to two major university networks, which we will detail next.
The University of California (UC) system emphasizes research and academic theory. While it offers undergraduate programs, its main focus is on training elite, globally recognized scholars at the graduate level, including master’s and doctoral degrees.
On the other hand, the California State University (CSU) system provides high-quality undergraduate and technical programs for both residents and international students. This makes it easier and faster for graduates to enter the state’s workforce.
Private institutions like Stanford and Caltech have high tuition costs, and their admissions processes are far more selective, often accepting only a small number of applicants compared to public universities.
They are also renowned for their academic excellence, ranking among the top institutions in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. This reputation helps their graduates secure influential positions both locally and internationally.
Safety
California is generally seen as a safe place to live for both locals and newcomers. That said, some neighborhoods and circumstances can give a different impression, highlighting a mix in safety levels across the state.
According to the OECD Regional Well-Being Index, California scores 5.2 out of 10 for safety, which is considered average. However, its homicide rate of 5.3 per 100,000 people is quite low compared to states like Alaska or Tennessee.
Even so, most cities tend to be calm with low crime rates, with the more problematic areas typically being districts where access to housing or healthcare is limited.
Economy and average wages
California has one of the strongest economies in the United States, acting as the country’s main economic and industrial hub. However, living costs remain a significant challenge for residents.
To put it in perspective, as a worker in a California city, you could end up spending 40% or more of your income just on housing. The rest of your earnings then have to cover federal taxes, utilities, healthcare, food, and transportation, which can make comfortable living difficult if your income isn’t high enough.
Workers in construction or production roles can earn between $20 and $30 per hour, which adds up to roughly $3,200 to $4,800 per month. Professional employees, on the other hand, typically make $5,500 per month or more.
It’s estimated that you’ll need over $3,000 per month just to cover most expenses, leaving little to no room for savings. For a more detailed breakdown of monthly costs in California, check out our guide: Cost of Living in California 2026.
High-speed connectivity
The main internet providers in California are AT&T and Verizon, offering fiber-optic broadband and 5G mobile coverage that reaches nearly the entire population. This makes California a leader in digital connectivity and infrastructure.
Mobile internet speeds range from 300 to 500 Mbps, while fiber-optic connections can reach up to 5 Gbps on premium residential plans. This makes activities like remote work, gaming, online shopping, and digital transactions smooth and convenient.
Daily life is also improved by smart home technology, with apps and devices that help you control energy use and automate tasks around the house.
To stay connected in California, Holafly’s monthly plans offer 25 GB or unlimited data with coverage in over 160 countries. You can also share the data across multiple devices, like your laptop, tablet, or another phone.
You can also get Holafly’s California eSIM, which provides unlimited data for the number of days you choose, helping you avoid international roaming fees and the hassle of swapping SIM cards.
Advantages of living in California
California offers several advantages for foreigners, particularly in terms of quality of life in its cities. Access to top-notch education, a sense of safety for immigrants, and strong job opportunities are some of the reasons residents choose to stay in the state.
World-renowned higher education
Studying in California opens doors not just locally but around the world, as its public and private universities are globally recognized, giving graduates strong prospects for employment.
In addition, international students can easily access public universities for technical and professional programs, helping them boost their future income and quality of life.
High rates of public safety
Although certain areas in California have higher crime rates, most cities are generally safe, and people trust the justice system. This allows residents to go about their daily lives with peace of mind.
Other aspects of safety include the legal protections available to foreigners, regardless of their immigration status. This provides peace of mind and the freedom to live and work without fear of action from immigration authorities.
Various job opportunities
As one of the world’s strongest economies, California offers a wide range of job opportunities, from entry-level positions to professional roles, especially in fields like technology, construction, and healthcare.
As a major business and tech hub in the U.S. and worldwide, California consistently has job openings across various sectors, offering high-paying opportunities for locals, residents, and international workers alike.
Drawbacks of living in California as a foreigner
Not everything in California is top-notch. Challenges like heavy reliance on cars, limited housing options, and difficulties accessing healthcare can make choosing this state as your next home more complicated. Here’s a detailed look at the main drawbacks.
Housing crisis
One of the biggest challenges for foreigners is the high cost of rent. Even professional workers often have to share housing or spend up to half of their income just on rent.
Beyond the high prices, other hurdles make renting challenging, such as security deposits, paperwork, and bureaucratic requirements that can be especially hard for newcomers settling in California.
Complex healthcare system
California’s healthcare system is complex and can be tricky to navigate, requiring careful attention to understand how to access public medical services without facing high medical costs.
While there are state subsidies and public programs to help low-income residents access healthcare, some services may still require payment, which can be a barrier for those who find medical costs in California too high.
On the other hand, private health insurance is a more viable option for higher-income workers, though the monthly or annual premiums are among the highest in the world.
Car dependency and traffic
Traffic is a major issue in California’s main cities, often considered some of the worst in the world. Because public transport is limited and unreliable, you almost have to own or rent a car to get around.
Because daily errands often require driving long distances, depending on a car can significantly raise monthly costs for gas, taxes, and maintenance, eating into a large part of your income.
Frequently asked questions about living in California
Yes, it’s generally the best option for getting around, since urban areas often require traveling long distances. Relying on ride-sharing apps or public transport can also be expensive and time-consuming.
In California, the highest demand for workers is usually in fields like technology, healthcare, and finance, while entry-level or operational roles are more common in construction, cleaning, hospitality, and delivery services.
Renting in California isn’t easy. High demand makes available properties competitive, and rental prices are especially steep, particularly along the coast.
You need to enroll in Medi-Cal, the federal public health program that provides free or low-cost medical services. However, eligibility requires proof of low income.
Plans that may interest you
Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
